Since 1963, The La Jolla Renaissance Singers have been bringing the finest early choral music to the San Diego area, drawing dedicated members from across San Diego County. The ensemble focuses on the a cappella repertoire offering vocal music that spans the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras, although we occasionally include select works from the Romantic and Modern periods.
The La Jolla Renaissance Singers’ are deeply committed to enriching the San Diego community through the performance of early choral music. For over six decades, the choral group has delivered authentic and engaging performances of a cappella early choral music. We focus primarily on the vocal repertoire of the Renaissance period, striving to reveal the timeless themes of joy, love, and human experience, and the enduring connections between this historical music and the present day.
Committed to an immersive and engaging performance experience, our choral group appears in Renaissance costume, transporting the audience directly to the period. Concerts are presented in diverse settings, including concert halls, museums, churches, and libraries.
Discover the inspiring sound and beauty of the early Renaissance! We are dedicated to making this powerful repertoire, accessible to all ages and members of the wider community, offering an open invitation to audiences across all generations, creating a welcoming bridge to history through song.
For booking and audition information, please email: lajollarenaissancesingers@gmail.com
Passion for the Music
How does historical music connect to us today and why it matters?
We are captivated by the beauty, complexity, and emotional depth of Early Music. Singing Renaissance polyphony allows us to step back in time, using our voices to bridge centuries. The Renaissance era marked a transformative period in classical music. It shifted the musical landscape by using polyphony and new ideas surrounding harmony and rhythm. It shapes how we compose, perform, and experience music today. There is something deeply spiritual and grounding about singing music that has resonated through human history for hundreds of years.
The Power of Community
What is the connection between the members and the music?
We are more than just an ensemble, we are a community of friends whose deepest bond is formed through the shared act of singing. There is a unique magic that happens when our voices blend and we bring complex harmonies to life during our Wednesday rehearsals. We come from all walks of life across San Diego, but we are united by this passion for singing Renaissance music. That connection carries right over into our social time, where we wind down, enjoy refreshments afterward rehearsals, and continue the fellowship that began with the music.
Embracing the Renaissance History
How is the period garb a unique and joyful artistic expression?
Our goal is to create an immersive, historically authentic experience. We step into the past by performing in beautiful period costumes. For us, dressing in Renaissance garb is more than just the visual aspect but an immersive tradition that helps us connect deeper with the historical side of the Renaissance age. Donning period attire is like stepping into the past, allowing us to bring the history of the centuries past and spirit of the music vividly to life for our audiences!
Artistic Director:
Douglas Lynn was appointed Artistic Director of the La Jolla Renaissance Singers in January 2017.
Since 2005, he has served as Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oceanside, where he has built a robust music ministry and conducts the Sanctuary, English Handbell, and Cappella choirs. He has served in music ministry at Catholic, Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches in the San Diego area for more than thirty years.
Singing baritone as part of the San Diego choral community, Douglas has performed with the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, the Sun Harbor Chorus, the San Diego Opera Chorus, and the Center Chorale of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Previously, he served as music director for the Scripps Ranch Madrigal Singers and for local productions of Man of La Mancha and Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s I Do! I Do!
Douglas has served on the state boards of the American Choral Directors Association and the Handbell Musicians of America, and holds bachelor’s degrees from UC San Diego and the University of San Diego, and a master’s degree in music with an emphasis in musicology from San Diego State University.