Mediaeval Baebes
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Prepare to be transported back in time and across the ocean with the Mediaeval Baebes. The all-female vocal group puts a new spin on classic medieval music and poetry, singing in a variety of languages from Middle English to Mediaeval Welsh. Weaving tales of unrequited love and gothic faerieland adventures, the Mediaeval Baebes’ hauntingly beautiful melodies explore universal themes while taking you on a fantastic journey through time. Beautiful, talented, and witty, the Mediaeval Baebes offer an unforgettable night of Christmas music, performing classics such as “We Three Kings” and “Away in a Manger.”
Founded in 1996, the Mediaeval Baebes have turned the classical music genre on its head with their witty interpretations of medieval religious and pagan songs. Founding member Katharine Blake is no music industry novice. The classically-trained vocalist enjoyed previous success as a back-up singer for experimental singer-songwriter Nick Cave and as the lead vocalist for the gothic rock group Miranda Sex Garden. Now, she devotes her time fully to Mediaeval Baebes. The group is unique for their choice to use medieval and romantic texts as source material for many of their songs, setting the texts to original scores composed by the Baebes themselves. The vocal ensemble has released eight studio albums, three of which reached the top of the U.K. classical music charts and the Baebes have performed across the world, playing in all kinds of venues from castles to caves. In 2007, the Mediaeval Baebes received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Television Soundtrack for their contribution to the BBC production of The Virgin Queen.
After 18 years, the Mediaeval Baebes are still gaining momentum. Their latest album, a Christmas carol collection entitled Of Kings and Angels, was released in the U.K. last year. The album reached the top 10 spot of the U.K. classical charts almost immediately upon release. Released this year in the United States, the album is expected to continue to enjoy great success particularly as the holiday season approaches. The Mediaeval Baebes will be sure to highlight some of their seasonal interpretations from Of Kings and Angels as well as from their previous 2003 holiday recording Mistletoe and Wine this December.
Founded in 1996, the Mediaeval Baebes have turned the classical music genre on its head with their witty interpretations of medieval religious and pagan songs. Founding member Katharine Blake is no music industry novice. The classically-trained vocalist enjoyed previous success as a back-up singer for experimental singer-songwriter Nick Cave and as the lead vocalist for the gothic rock group Miranda Sex Garden. Now, she devotes her time fully to Mediaeval Baebes. The group is unique for their choice to use medieval and romantic texts as source material for many of their songs, setting the texts to original scores composed by the Baebes themselves. The vocal ensemble has released eight studio albums, three of which reached the top of the U.K. classical music charts and the Baebes have performed across the world, playing in all kinds of venues from castles to caves. In 2007, the Mediaeval Baebes received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Television Soundtrack for their contribution to the BBC production of The Virgin Queen.
After 18 years, the Mediaeval Baebes are still gaining momentum. Their latest album, a Christmas carol collection entitled Of Kings and Angels, was released in the U.K. last year. The album reached the top 10 spot of the U.K. classical charts almost immediately upon release. Released this year in the United States, the album is expected to continue to enjoy great success particularly as the holiday season approaches. The Mediaeval Baebes will be sure to highlight some of their seasonal interpretations from Of Kings and Angels as well as from their previous 2003 holiday recording Mistletoe and Wine this December.
