Programs
This is a list of programs that have been and have yet to come.
6.2.24 at 4:00pm
Sacred Voices in Medieval Spain
So many sources from Medieval Spain feature songs that lead people to understand how to be a Christian; indeed, the world’s first how-to guide was a travel guide along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Galicia. It was not at all straightforward to be a Christian in Spain because many other faith traditions co-existed. Thus, those in leadership of churches, cathedrals, and even kingdoms found it necessary to create art and music that also encouraged the faithful to walk a Christian path. From the Codex Calixtinus in Galicia to songs out of the Huelgas Convent, cantigas by King Alfonso X to the Llibre Vermell in Montserrat, all of these sources include songs and dances that praise, inspire, and lead the Christian faithful to become more pious, songful, and devoted to God through the Virgin Mary and her Son.
11.11.23 at 7:30pm
A Rose Without Thorns
Also known as “Lady Day,” the Feast of the Annunciation was so important to medieval England that it marked the beginning of the English new year until 1752. It truly is THE beginning of beginnings; it is the moment that the angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she is to bear Jesus.
Music to celebrate this momentous occasion was sung all year round, but particularly on the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25th (9 months before Christmas, naturally), and during Advent as well. In addition to chant and motets that you would also hear on the rest of the European continent, in England you would also hear carols with the sweet, melodious sounds of fauxbourdon—a style of harmony that privileges 3rds and 6ths over other intervals and is the hallmark of the “Contenance angloise.”
4.23.23 at 4:00pm
Critters and Cranky Poets
Take a peek into the lives of 14th century Italians with poetry and music from the Squarcialupi Codex!
Poets of the 14th century in Italy were preoccupied with real life: hunting, unrequited love, frustration with other people...all highly relatable things. Composers set poems with energetic polyphony, complex meter changes, and playful imitation.
2.4.23 at 8:00pm (rescheduled)
Pilgrims, Martyrs, Saints
Inspired by the songs and harmonies preserved in the world’s first travel guide, the Codex Calixtinus, Scivias Medieval Ensemble invites you to travel along the Camino de Santiago to the shrine of St. James. Interwoven with the devotionals to St. James are hymns and ecstatic songs written by Hildegard von Bingen in honor of the martyred St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgin companions.
11.16.19
Star of the Sea
Among the many images and titles associated with the Virgin Mary, the metaphorical “Star of the Sea” is one of the oldest and most pervasive. This program explores works that pay homage to this moniker.
12.17.21 at 7:30pm
Hodie!
A holiday concert celebrating Advent, Annunciation, and Christmas Day. Works from Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
5.13.22 at 7:30pm
Springtime in Paris
Imagine yourself in the streets of Paris in the 14th century with this celebration of love, flowers, and warm weather! The singers of Scivias ensemble will present trouvère songs, secular motets, and complex polyphonic works of Machaut and his 14th century contemporaries.