Performing Medieval Music of 1360-1430:
A Workshop for Mixed Instrument Ensembles
Taught by Members of Severall Friends:
Mary Springfels (bowed instruments)
Mark Rimple (lute and voice)
Christa Patton (harp, winds and bagpipes)
Sian Ricketts (recorders, doucaines and voice)
Saturday, September 26, 2026 9:30 am- 4:30 pm
Saint George’s Episcopal Church | 915 N. Oakland | Arlington, VA
The glorious music that was heard under Brunelleschi’s dome is less familiar to us today – less frequently performed and rife with seemingly strange rhythms and harmonies. Severall Friends’ quartet of medieval experts will lead us through the thickets and show us how the music of this exotic and voluptuous sonic world is readily performable.
This is a workshop for pre-professional, advanced, and upper intermediate singers and instrumentalists on soft instruments – lutes, recorders, viols. Registrants should be experienced ensemble players, comfortable singing or playing one on a part.
The workshop will be at A= 440. Music will be provided ahead of time in modern notation and lute tablature.
The day will be divided into four or five class sessions with a lunch break and breaks between classes. Depending on interest expressed at registration, we may offer sessions on medieval theory, performance practice, or medieval music notation. The final session will be an all-workshop performance of excerpts from Machaut’s Messe de Nostre Dame and Dufay’s Missa Ave Regina Caelorum.
When registering for the workshop, let us know about your playing experience. We will group registrants into compatible mixed ensembles that may include (depending on registration) singers, recorders, lutes and viols. You can also tell us if you would like to be placed with particular instrumentalist(s) who are part of your pre-existing ensemble. We’ll notify you of your placement after registration closes.
We also have room for a limited number of auditors. Auditors may attend a class session but may not make comments or ask questions during the class.
TUITION: Regular – $110 | Student/Work Study – $55 | Auditor – $50
Late Registration fee (after September 12) – $10.00