Feel free to get in touch if you would like to book us for a party/event. RENAISSANCE Chamber Choir is a Belfast based Chamber Choir, formed in 1976 by the late Ronnie Lee. The Choir spent its early years building up a notable local reputation and in 1984, it entered and won the inaugural BBC Sainsbury's Choir of the Year Competition. This resulted in a concert in London's Barbican with Sir Charle
s Groves and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra it also led to concerts and recitals in Edinburgh and Dublin
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Renaissance was involved in a number of concerts and recordings with the Ulster Orchestra, working closely with the then principal conductor, Yan Pascal Tortelier. Competition success was again achieved in 1991 at the Sligo International Choral Festival, with two major prizes. In recognition of its performances in the 1991-92 season, the choir won the Belfast Telegraph EMA award for classical ensemble. Following the untimely death of Ronnie Lee in 1992, the choir appointed a new director, Brian Hunter, in early 1994. Under his baton, the choir enjoyed continued success in taking the top awards at the Sligo International Choral Festivals of 1995 and 1999 and at the 1996 Bangor Choral Festival. During Brian’s tenure, Renaissance worked closely with the Ulster Orchestra and the Studio Symphony Orchestra, musical highlights being performances of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion", "L'enfance du Christ" by Berlioz, Beethoven's "Mass in C major", Bach's "Magnificat" and "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" by Vaughan Williams. In June 2006, Renaissance celebrated its 30th anniversary with a concert in St Molua’s Church of Ireland, Dundonald. This occasion also marked the retirement of Brian Hunter as director. Brian was then succeeded by Revd Dr Ian Mills, who was the Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry. Ian continued to develop the Choir’s repertoire and taken it to new venues in the North-West of the province and to St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. In 2022, Simon Neill-O'Brien BEM took charge of the choir as Musical Director and Conductor following the Rev Dr Ian Mills’ departure to England. Simon has long been Director of Music of St Polycarp’s Choir, Belfast during which time he has transformed it in to one of the largest Parish Choir’s in Ireland. The Choir were fortunate to have Simon in position until late 2024. In 2025, the Choir was delighted to appoint Daniel Clements as our new Musical Director and Conductor. Daniel brings a fantastic knowledge, musicianship and experience to the role, having been heavily involved in the Charles Wood Summer School and Sing Ireland. Daniel is a very accomplished musician and is currently Organist at St. George’s Parish Church in Belfast. Although having its roots in church music, Renaissance has a wide secular repertoire and continues to expand its lighter repertoire with performances of modern jazz standards and classic pop songs.
