Did you know that Atlantia is home to an extraordinary group of performing artists, the Laydes Fayre vocal ensemble?  Under the direction of Mistress Arianna Morgan, for over 16 years, these singers of all levels and backgrounds have come together to produce beautiful period music!  Read the introduction to the group below written by Mistress Arianna, and watch for their performances in the northern half of the kingdom! – Sophia the Orange

laydesfayre 11 sep 2010

Laydes Fayre is an inter-baronial  women’s vocal music ensemble dedicated to the performance of pre-17th century European polyphonic music.  The ensemble was formed by the Director, Mistress Arianna Morgan, in 1999 to provide women in northern Atlantia with additional opportunities to sing period choral music.   Laydes Fayre currently has members from Lochmere, Dun Carraig, Ponte Alto, Storvik, and Roxbury Mill.  Members come from a variety of musical backgrounds and experiences.

Laydes Fayre averages about 5 to 6 performances per year at SCA events, most of which are local.   The Laydes have performed in a variety of SCA settings.  They have provided processional/recessional music for Coronations, Investitures, and peerage elevations; performing arts showcases and concerts; during feast, and before court.   Several years ago, the group recorded a CD (Here’s to the Laydes).  The CD features a variety of well-known and not so well known pieces of the 16th century.  The CD also includes some original pieces composed by Mistress Arianna. (Email her directly to buy a copy of the CD.)

Mistress Arianna considers a number of factors when selecting music for the group including audience appeal; variety of tempos, genres, and languages; voicing, and appropriate level of complexity.    The complexity of the music is varied so that the more experienced members won’t get bored and the less experienced members increase their skill level.

The group works hard to learn their music and has fun in the process!  After each rehearsal, the Laydes enjoy baked goods and conversation.  Even members’ birthdays are celebrated with cake and candles!  Occasionally, the group takes a break from rehearsals to have a girls’ night out.

The group typically rehearses twice a month on Friday nights from 7:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.  in Tracys Landing, Maryland,  just 20 minutes south of the Washington, D.C.  Beltway.  Each voice part also has a “sectional” rehearsal every third month.  Performance and rehearsal schedules are provided well in advance and music is provided to members at no cost.
Laydes Fayre is always welcoming new members for all voice parts:  Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, and Alto II.   (Most music performed is for SSA, SSAA, or SAT voicing.)    Music reading skills and choral experience are helpful, but not required.  Learning by rote is perfectly acceptable.   Music memorization is never required.

There are no formal auditions.  However, members are expected to be able to sing in tune in a choral setting, follow direction, attend rehearsals and performances regularly, and work and play well with others.  If you are interested and/or have questions, please contact Mistress Arianna via e-mail at   chrissings AT juno DOT com    or via telephone at (410) 533-4535.  If sending an e-mail message, please use “Laydes Fayre Interest” as your subject line.

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