The Waverly Consort

Profile

Medieval European works may get short shrift in today’s music scene, but at least around the holidays, early-music fanatics can turn to the Waverly Consort, the New York�based ensemble that has garnered international popularity since its founding in 1964. In "The Christmas Story," its annual holiday concert, the Consort’s thirteen-member ensemble recreates the spirit of medieval church drama within the cathedral walls of the Cloisters. Retelling the relevant biblical happenings through song, procession, and gesture, the Consort opts for subtlety over bells and whistles. The result is a critically acclaimed celebration of the Christmas story that has been a holiday favorite since its 1980 premiere. — Ben Kawaller