EarlyMusicNews.Org

“The Renaissance Society was founded in 1944 to promote the understanding and appreciation of plainchant, Renaissance polyphony and other types of vocal and instrumental music from the period. The founder was Michael Howard who was later to achieve distinction as the Organist and Master of the Choristers at Ely cathedral before holding other prestigious posts in the musical world.

The Renaissance Singers was formed at the same time as the performing arm of the Society, and apart from a period of silence in the 1980s has maintained an impressive schedule of concerts. Many recordings have been made-the last in February 1998. 

The success of the Singers is evidenced by the detailed and fascinating archive dating from July 1944, but it took 55 years for a wider role for the Society to emerge. 

In 1999 Saeculum was launched as a festival of early music and is the first major activity undertaken by the Society other than the running of the Renaissance Singers. The immediate success of Saeculum meant that in 2000 the scope was broadened beyond the running of a single annual weekend event and now Saeculum events take place throughout the year. They include cultural events beyond the staging concerts and include workshops for musicians and the appreciation of wine and art. …”

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Category: Ensembles/Performers/Associations/Societies / Societies/Associations

Added on: Feb 28, 2012 | Hits: 166