The Renaissance Singers are one of the leading choral ensembles in the region. The group give a varied annual programme of concerts each year at Blackburn Cathedral (where they are based), and also take part in a number of services there throughout the church year. The choir is also delighted to be invited to sing at other venues both in Lancashire and further afield, and has taken part in a number of CD recordings. Furthermore, the choir broadcasts regularly for the BBC, and has appeared on Radio 2 and BBC 1’s Songs of Praise in recent years. The choir's repertoire is broad, including sacred and secular choral music spanning five centuries. Each season the programmes range from small-scale unaccompanied works to performances with orchestra.
Our History
The Renaissance Singers at Blackburn Cathedral were founded in 1965 by Dr John Bertalot. Originally named the Blackburn Bach Choir, their annual Christmas concerts in King George's Hall, Blackburn attracted capacity audiences. For two years in succession they won the national rounds of the BBC's international competition "Let The Peoples Sing". They were rated as the finest mixed voice choir in the UK. Dr John Bertalot was the Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral for eighteen years.
We are always on the lookout for new members with an enthusiasm for choral singing at a high level. Ideal candidates have experience singing in choirs with a varied repertoire, and a good standard of sight singing.
Additional Info for Choristers
The choir meets every week in school term time to rehearse – on a Thursday from 7.45 p.m. – 9.45 p.m. Due to the size and nature of the group, high attendance is important, although flexibility exists to accommodate the occasional absence.
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