Faye Newton soprano/symphony Hazel Brooks vielle

Faye and Hazel formed Duo Trobairitz to explore the courtly song repertoire of the troubadours and trouvères, which is especially appropriate to their combination of voice and vielle, and with the aim of presenting medieval monody in an original and accessible way. Songs are interspersed with readings and lively fiddle dances and the duo has been praised for its wide variety of colours and expression.

Following an acclaimed international debut at the Antwerp Early Music Festival 2000, Duo Trobairitz rapidly rose to success and has appeared at major early music festivals across Europe. Performance highlights include a tour of Slovenia, a Dutch Early Music Network tour, the Leeds International Medieval Congress and the debut performance of its ‘Medieval Femme Fatale’ programme at the York Early Music Festival, which was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s ‘The Early Music Show’. The duo has recently released its first CD ‘The Language of Love’ with Hyperion.

Sample Programme:

The Medieval Femme Fatale: A programme of songs and readings by female troubadours and trouvères. Women’s songs including narrative chansons de toile, humorous mal mariée songs of marital discontent and moving laments for a distant lover provide a fascinating insight into the hearts and minds of these colourful and passionate ladies.

Education:

Concerts, workshops and lecture recitals for all ages, eg The Age of Chivalry rediscovering the romance of a lost era through the songs and poetry of the troubadours and the trouvères: knights and shepherdesses, feasting and dancing, meetings at dawn and the odd battered husband!

Recordings:

The Language of Love (Hyperion CDA67634)

Performances:

6 Nov 07 Turner Sims Hall, Southampton
24 Jun 07 Day of Early Music, Alden Biesen, Belgium
12 Jul 07 Kingston Early Music Festival

Contact:

Faye Newton, c/o 20 Woodleigh Court,
Stuart Crescent,
London N22 5NL

Tel: 07720 006 339

Email: fayenewton@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.trobairitz.co.uk