The BACH COLLEGIUM SAN DIEGO was founded in 2003 by Ruben Valenzuela with the purpose of enriching San Diego's music community with historically informed performances of the Renaissance, Baroque, and in particular the vocal works of J.S. Bach. Its members bring longstanding experience from such ensembles as the Academy of Ancient Music (UK), American Bach Soloists, Festival Ensemble Stuttgart, and the Philharmonia Chorale. During its first six seasons, the ensemble has earned an impressive reputation, captivating diverse audiences by their unique style and highly expressive and provocative approach to the Renaissance and Baroque repertoire and beyond. The ensemble regularly participates in an international tour to Mexico City with performances at the Festival Internacional del Órgano Barroco.  The ensemble has brought many historically informed first performances to San Diego for the first time. Such works include Handel Theodora and Messiah, Bach St. John Passion and B minor Mass, and Monteverdi 1610 Vespers.