This program takes its inspiration from the celebrations of Twelfth Night and Epiphany, celebrations that have officially marked the end of the Christmas season since the sixth-century Council of Tours. In many Christian traditions, these days observe the culmination of the journey of the three wise men or magi, august personages who traveled to bring gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. This event is customarily celebrated with liturgical services, as well as with the consumption of special foods, beverages, and general merriment, including dances, plays, and music. Our program presents festive and contemplative medieval repertoire from across the Western Christian world that tells the story of the conception, birth, veneration, and celebration of Christ. Founded by five friends with a zeal for medieval music, Alkemie exists to share the life-affirming and alternative perspectives to be experienced in the sounds of centuries past, especially as they resonate with and challenge our modern-day perceptions. They specialize in medieval music for voices and instruments, with a particular interest in the porous boundaries of this period – traversed repeatedly from clerics penning bawdy Latin poems in manuscript margins to courtly lovers evoking the mystical sublime. Tracy Cowart, voice, percussion, bray harp David McCormick, vielle Elena Mullins, voice, percussion Sian Ricketts, voice, recorders Niccolo Seligmann, vielle, percussion
New York City, NY; NYC