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The Old Hall Singers are a vocal ensemble dedicated to historically informed performance of early music, with a particular focus on repertoire from the medieval and Renaissance periods. The name, derived from one of England's most important Manuscript, links our commitment to the rich tradition of English music written before 1750. Performances include both sacred and secular works, focusing on motets, masses, madrigals, and other vocal forms prevalent during this era.
We believe that the application of historically informed performance principles, the use of period instruments and adherence to scholarly performance practices regarding ornamentation and vocal styles, with a strong commitment to interpretations grounded in current musicological research and primary source analysis allows an academic presentation of the rich variety found in early music.
J.R. was trained as a chorister in Kentucky, studying organ, bell ringing, recorder, and voice.
Beginning with his contemporary students, J.R. offered several student performances of staple early music works, including a performances of Pergolesi's and Vivaldi's Stabet Mater, which he re-engraved for the student musicians, creating a new performance edition from the original autograph (much to the disdain of his professors). Performing with the Kentucky Bach Choir for 8 seasons, as assistant conductor, he presented such works as Purcell's Funeral Sentences for Queen Mary.
J.R. went on to complete master's degrees in Choral Conducting, Organ and Sacred Music, while continuing to offer public performances of works such as Victoria's Missa Pro Defunctis, Madrigals by Tompkins and Morley, and Byrd's masses for three, four, and five voices for Choral Eucharist, in their right place during ritual on Sunday morning. He has conducted choirs in residence throughout England, Scotland, France, Turkey, and the United States.
Continuing his studies, and professional outreach, J.R. holds the Choirmaster certification from the American Guild of Organists, professional membership Church Music Institute, Choristers Guild, Conductors Guild, Association of Anglican Musicians, Royal College of Organists, American Choral Directors Association, and has recently been invited to join the Paul Thomas Lindsey society for the advancement of church music.