Anne Marie Summers voice/bagpipes/recorder Stephen Tyler hurdy gurdy/harp/citole with Helen Barber voice Terry Mann percussion/voice Clive Fairweather storyteller

Misericordia are best known as a bagpipes and hurdy gurdy duo (winners of the concours at St Chartier festival 1999) and use this powerful rhythmic dronal sound in their interpretation of medieval music. Concert performances also include quieter, more reflective pieces, often extended through improvisation, using voice, recorder, harp, and lutes. Since forming in 1993 they have made a number of recordings and performed with various guest artists. Current projects include: Passion, Plague and Pilgrimage, a programme of music from the dark and troubled 14th century, including Italian Istampitas, love songs of Machaut and pilgrimage songs from the Llibre Vermell; Love and Death in the Middle Ages - medieval stories as told by the renowned story teller Clive Fairweather interwoven with music and song of the period.

Sample Programme:

A programme of two distinct halves: Firstly; Secular song from 13th, 14th and 15th century England interlaced with the few surviving instrumental pieces. Secondly; Ars Nova - complex instrumental music from the 14th century performed with energy and verve.

Education:

Instrumental and dance workshop focusing on the Gresley manuscript (English c.1500) in conjunction with Cait Webb and Chris Elmes. Also, specific hurdy gurdy and bagpipe workshops available.

Recordings:

Robins m’aime (CD miseri 2)
English Mediaeval Song (CD miseri 6)
Eschewynge of Ydlenesse - Music for dancing from the Middle Ages and Renaissance (CD miseri 7)
Passion, Pestilence and Polyphony - Music from the 14th century (CD miseri 8)

Performances:

23 Sep 06 Aust Church, Gloucestershire
29 Oct 06 Church of St Andrews in the Square,
Glasgow
14 Apr 07 Longhirst Music Society, Northumberland

Contact:

Misericordia, Brancepeth Castle,
Brancepeth, Co Durham DH7 8DE

Tel: 0191 378 3836 / 01547 530822

Email: info@misericordiamusic.co.uk

Website: www.misericordiamusic.co.uk www.myspace.com/misericordiamedieval