Join Us for Winter Tales

The La Jolla Renaissance Singers invite you to join us for Winter Tales, a celebration of the beauty, mystery, and wonder of the winter season through the timeless sound of choral music.

Journey from candlelit anticipation to radiant triumph with an enchanting choral performance tracing the majestic choral traditions of the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque eras. This evocative performance bridges the solemn, deeply reflective longing of Advent with the uncontainable, festive joy of Christmas.

Experience stunning masterworks by polyphonic giants like Byrd, Palestrina, and Victoria, alongside brilliant, pioneering voices like Raffaella Aleotti and avant-garde pioneers like Jacobus Gallus. From early dance-like medieval melodies and mysterious, modern-sounding chromaticism to exultant, multi-part historic carols like In dulci jubilo, these extraordinary voices will transport you back in time.

Immerse yourself in a transcendent afternoon of sacred mystery, vocal brilliance, and timeless holiday celebration. This is the perfect winter escape for early music lovers and families alike. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of sacred mystery, timeless beauty, and uncontainable celebration.

Concert Dates

Sunday, January 3, 2027 at 2:00 PM
Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church
700 D Ave, Coronado

Saturday, January 9, 2027 at 2:00 PM
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church
1450 South Melrose Dr, Oceanside

Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 4:00 PM
University City United Church
2877 Governor Dr, San Diego

About the Program

Winter has inspired musicians and storytellers for centuries – a season of darkness and light, celebration and reflection, stillness and wonder.

Winter Tales explores these many moods of the season through the rich sound of choral music. For more than 60 years, the La Jolla Renaissance Singers have brought Renaissance and early choral music to audiences throughout San Diego County.

We hope you’ll join us this January.

Selections from Past Performances

These songs, performed by our group, feature some of our favorite pieces from the Renaissance period. From joyful carols to heartfelt motets and playful madrigals, we hope you enjoy the beauty and variety of this timeless music.

April is in my Mistress’ Face

Thomas Morley (1557-1602)

This elegant English madrigal by Thomas Morley—student of William Byrd and a key figure in popularizing the form—compares a woman’s beauty to the changing seasons with vivid, poetic economy.

Au Joly jeu du pousse avant

Clément Janequin (1485-1558)

Clément Janequin, a pioneer of vocal sound effects, playfully recreates the flirtation and motion of a courtly game in this witty Renaissance chanson.

Damon Inrrepit Callidus

György Orbán (1947-)

Hungarian composer György Orbán brings modern harmonic flair with pulsing rhythms and dramatic crescendos to this Latin choral work about a sly suitor’s pursuit.

O Magnum Mysterium

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)

Tomás Luis de Victoria, Spain’s greatest Renaissance composer, evokes awe at the Nativity with rich, flowing harmonies in this meditative motet.

Pat-a-pan

Bernard de La Monnoye (1641-1728)

In this upbeat French Christmas carol, Bernard de La Monnoye—who wrote in Burgundian dialect to preserve local culture—uses playful syllables to echo drums and flutes throughout.

Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One

Healy Willan (1880-1968)

Healey Willan sets Song of Songs verses with lush Romantic harmonies, blending sacred text with heartfelt lyricism.

Donate

Please consider making a donation to support the La Jolla Renaissance Singers as we continue to share the beauty of early choral music with our community—just scan the QR code below to contribute. Thank you!

Please contact us at: lajollarenaissancesingers@gmail.com for more information.