Renaissance
Renaissance is an auditioned chamber choir of approximately 20 voices based in North Suffolk. The choir was originally formed in September 2017 and performed locally until the Covid pandemic lockdowns. After several ‘workshop’ appearances it was reborn in July 2025 and goes from strength to strength.
We mainly sing unaccompanied choral music from 1400 to the present day. Highlights of the choir’s performances have been the performance of Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices at Southwold Catholic Church, ‘An East Anglian Solitude’ – a concert at the beautiful Blythburgh Church with Terry Waite, The Hawkesyard Consort of Viols and Jake Barlow, countertenor.
The choir presented a Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Church, Bungay in 2025 and returned in February 2026 to appear at the Lunchtime Recital Series.
The ensemble also aim to give impromptu performances in unusual settings, in the words of musical director, Will Drew-Batty, “To sing something extraordinary in an ordinary space and make it extraordinary for a little while.” These appearances so far include Southwold Lighthouse, The Marketplace, Beccles and Castle Mall shopping centre, Norwich!
Please contact Will if you are interested in becoming a member.
Further Information:
We rehearse weekly in Bungay, Suffolk
We generally aim to give three concerts per year
Regular attendance is expected
Members do need to read music and have a good voice
Members need to be confident with their part
Audition Process:
The audition is quite simple and nothing to worry about –
- Sing a song of your choice.
- Simple ear tests, including rhythm.
- A short piece of sight-reading (this does not have to be sung perfectly but gives me an idea of how you might cope with new music. Choristers are expected to prepare the choir pieces between rehearsals).
- I look for enthusiasm, good musicianship, a clear voice and appropriate vocal range.