The Renaissance Singers

One of our longest-established early music ensembles, London-based chamber choir The Renaissance Singers has specialised in bringing Renaissance vocal music to audiences in Britain for over 80 years. Under its current Musical Director Dr David Allinson, the choir maintains a busy schedule of performances, workshops and recordings.

The choir was founded by Michael Howard in June 1944 as a performing wing of the Renaissance Society. It set out to perform neglected masterpieces to new audiences and even sang one early concert during an air raid. Making pioneering recordings from the 1950s onwards on the Decca label, the choir played a key role in the early music revival in Britain.

Recent highlights for the choir have included performances of Brean Hammond’s immersive drama Master Byrd at Ingatestone Hall, the first modern performance of the Requiem Mass by Manuel Mendes, broadcasting two compline services on BBC Radio 3, and collaborations with guest conductors Gareth Wilson and Patrick Allies.

The choir’s open workshops offer anyone with some singing ability the chance to join forces with The Renaissance Singers and be coached on Renaissance repertoire by distinguished conductors and singers. Recent workshop leaders have included Robert Hollingworth, Rory McCleery, Greg Skidmore, Laurie Stras, David Allinson and Sarah Latto.