The Lady of Medieval Song

Medieval Europe rang with the words “my lady,” “our lady,” “fair lady,” “beautiful lady” and so on, or so the songs would have us believe. But who was this lady, these ladies? In this program, songs in praise of the Virgin Mary, the archetype of a “woman” in the medieval period, are juxtaposed with songs of—and by—more earthly women. Though only one secular song from the entire period is directly attributed to a woman, a surprising diversity of women’s voices and experiences echo through the often-anonymous poetry and music in this rarely-performed repertoire.


Naomi McMahon (voice), Allen Otte (percussion), and acclaimed guest artist Scott Metcalfe (vielle, harp; Blue Heron) join Artistic Director Allison Monroe (voice, bowed strings, psaltery) for an exploration of medieval songs about the lady, to the lady, and by the lady.

Please select a performance
Fri, May 22nd, 2026 at 7:00 pm
(171 available)
Sat, May 23rd, 2026 at 7:00 pm
(180 available)
 
 

Friday, May 22, 2026, 7pm at Tucker Hall, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7pm at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, Rocky River

All tickets are general admission and pay-what-you-can. The suggested donation amount is $25, $10 for students. A $2 fee will be added to each ticket.

Tickets for $0 do not charge the fee and do not require a credit card transaction. 

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