Foundation of the Neo-Renaissance

The Foundation of the Neo-Renaissance (FNR) is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting early music performances and scholarship. Established in 1967 by five members of the Neo-Renaissance Singers, the FNR's mission includes supporting early music ensembles, encouraging research, and transcribing original scores into modern performing editions[1][2].

History

The foundation's origins trace back to 1961 when the New York Pro Musica Antiqua performed at USC's Bovard Auditorium, inspiring the formation of the Neo-Renaissance Singers by Michael Agnello. This ensemble performed its first concert in 1962 at Loyola University and later participated in early music festivals in the region[1][2].

In the 1990s, Jim Stehn, a principal trumpet player in the Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra, organized a new ensemble named Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble. The group was later merged with the Neo-Renaissance Singers under the FNR's sponsorship, becoming the primary ensemble supported by the foundation[1][2].

Activities

The FNR supports Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble, which specializes in performing music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods. Jouyssance presents a regular series of concerts in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, offering historically informed performances that aim to re-create the sounds of these historical periods[1][3].

The ensemble's repertoire includes works by renowned composers such as Machaut, Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina, Lassus, and Monteverdi. In addition to traditional European music, Jouyssance also explores non-Western traditions from various parts of the world, enhancing the cultural diversity of its performances[1].

Leadership and Legacy

John Leicester, a founding member and longtime leader of the FNR, played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's mission and ensuring its continuity. He served as president of the FNR and was a key figure in merging Jouyssance with the Neo-Renaissance Singers[2].

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Nicole Baker, Jouyssance has continued to grow, releasing several CD recordings, including "A Tour of Christmases Past" and "Cantiga: An Early Music Tour of Iberia." The ensemble remains committed to educating audiences through informative program notes and engaging performances[1][5].

The Foundation of the Neo-Renaissance remains a significant contributor to the preservation and promotion of early music in Southern California, fostering a community built around a shared passion for historical musical traditions.