Review: The Seattle Women Medieval’s Choir Dec 6th

The Seattle Women Medieval’s Choir concert at St. James Cathedral this past Saturday Dec 6th was magical. The sound of the female voices reverberating inside this beautiful space transported me to a different world.

The date was chosen not by chance. Dec 6th celebrates Saint Nicholas and his miracles. The choir repertoire this year was largely focused on songs for this famous saint. Who was, one might say, the original Santa Claus.

WMC features about 60 female singers, and conductor / musician extraordinaire Margriet Tindemans, who leads the choir, at times playing the medieval fiddle, with a captivating and charismatic performance. They were joined by percussionist Peggy Monroe and harpist Bill McJohn.

Their next performance is Saturday, December 13, 2008, 11 AM & 2 PM Bethany Lutheran Church, 7400 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle. Introduce children to the pleasures of medieval music through stories and songs about the transformation of St. Nicholas into Sinter Claes in Holland and Santa Claus in America. This special hour-long family program, in the intimate setting of Bethany Lutheran’s sanctuary, will conclude with a sing-along of American carols and the arrival of Sinter Claes, bearing the traditional Dutch gift for children of oranges. For the curious, ages 6 to 106.