RENAISSANCE, the Belfast-based Chamber Choir, was formed in 1976 by the late Ronnie Lee. The choir spent its early years building up a notable local reputation and in 1984 entered and won the inaugural BBC Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition, thus establishing a national reputation. This resulted in a concert in London's Barbican with Sir Charles Groves and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and concerts and recitals in Edinburgh and Dublin

Competition sucess was achieved again 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 its new director,BRIAN HUNTER, in early 1994. Under his baton, the choir has 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. Other highlights have included singing for Royalty and for the American President during his first visit to Belfast as well as performing again with The Chieftans in the Belfast Waterfront Hall.