Review: The Mediaeval Baebes Enchant Newcastle Cathedral
For a totally unique and festive celebration, we're treated to the magical sounds of the Mediaeval Baebes at Newcastle Cathedral
One of Europe’s most successful female-led early music and folk ensembles, we’ve been eager to see the Mediaeval Baebes perform for some time. And what better time than at Christmas?
The award winning, chart-topping classical choir was founded in 1996 by Katharine Blake and they draw from medieval and Romantic texts as well as reinventing traditional songs in ancient languages. Their compositions are like nothing you’ve ever heard before, and they’re magical to listen to in winter.
As we join the queue outside Newcastle’s majestic cathedral, the Baebes begin their torch-lit procession and the lighting of the Chalice. In red cloaks, they light up the dark with torches and candles, playing instruments to begin the festivities. We follow them inside and take our seats before the Baebes and three accompanying men are introduced to the stage.
We’re mesmerised by their various wind and string instruments and are surprised by their witty quips in between tracks. The combination of folk and classical sounds echoes throughout the cathedral and we learn more about wassailing (a tradition that is still celebrated today). Collecting alcohol in a large chalice that was frequently decorated with holly and ivy, partygoers wouldn’t leave until the chalice was empty.
The audience are so entranced by the sounds of the Mediaeval Baebes, with songs such as Gaudete and Gower Wassail, and our personal favourite Ríu Ríu Chíu, that when the concert comes to an end, they call for an encore. The Mediaeval Baebes are more than happy to oblige, performing another Christmas song and concluding with a bewitching version of Auld Lang Syne.
We leave deciding we’ll be adding a Mediaeval Baebes concert to our Christmas plans for years to come.
