As the season of renewal approaches, the La Jolla Renaissance Singers invite you to join us for our 2026 Spring Concerts.

Our program, The Seasons, explores a full range of emotions from love and pleasure to sorrow through a rich collection of Renaissance madrigals and motets. The concert features works by great masters including Luca Marenzio’s vivid Scaldava il sol di mezzo giorno l’arco and Thomas Morley’s expressive April is in my mistress’ face, along with other beautiful choral pieces.

Let the lyrical poetry and expressive music of these Renaissance works transport you with their vivid imagery and emotional depth.

Concert Dates
Saturday, May 30, 3:00 PM
Saint Mark Lutheran Church
580 Hilltop Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Sunday, June 7, 4:00 PM
San Marcos Lutheran Church
3419 Grand Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92078

---

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.

Ecce Virgo Concipiet

William Byrd (1539-1623)

This motet, by William Byrd—a devout Catholic in Protestant England—sets Isaiah’s prophecy of the Virgin Birth with a quiet intensity that reflects his faith under political strain.

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.