Eya: Ensemble for Medieval Music

Crossley Hawn, soprano

Allison Mondel, soprano & symphonia

Kristen Dubenion-Smith, mezzo-soprano

Richard Giarusso, baritone

Niccolo Seligmann, Medieval strings).

The Three Marys. Dramatic scenes from the 14th – century liturgical drama Les Trois Maries are interwoven with Medieval polyphony from the Messe de Tournai, the Montpellier Codex, and Las Huelgas Codex, in addition to traditional plainchant and instrumental improvisation.

Eya is an award-winning vocal ensemble based in Washington, DC specializing in the interpretation of medieval music for women’s voices. Launched in 2010 and directed by Allison Mondel, Eya has established its place in the Washington, DC community as an early music ensemble of impeccable vocal quality and deep, spirit.

Eya presents concert programs that interweave diverse repertories of the 12th through 15th centuries, from Hildegard von Bingen to Notre Dame to the flyleaves of early English manuscripts and beyond. Through this lens, these programs seek to tell a story that forges new points of connection between contemporary audiences and medieval repertoire, underlining our common humanity with these early poets and composers.

Our performers are some of the finest young early music specialists in the region. Audiences have praised the ensemble for its vocal beauty, fascinating and accessible programming, fresh and inspired interpretations, and musicianship of the highest standard.

Eya is the proud recipient of the 2013 Greater DC Choral Excellence Award for Best Specialty Group: Early Music as well as a 2015 nominee for ‘Most Creative Programming.’

Eya (pronounced “EH-yah”) is a Latin exclamation of joy.

Marsh Chapel, Boston University. $10 (discounts may apply). 410-446-9450; info@eyaensemble.com; www.eyaensemble.com.