Mappamundi Concerts and Workshops

It's hard to describe a "typical" Mappamundi concert. Left to our own devices we will bring you two hours of wonderful songs and tunes from the Northern Hemisphere and the Current Millenium! But many presenters prefer a more focused show and here is a sample of the presentations we have made:
  • Colonial music/British Isles music of the 17th and 18th century (Guilford Court House, High Point historic series)
  • Music of Serbia (in conjunction with UNC Slavic Department)
  • Popular music of the 20s, 30s, and 40s (for various arts councils through North Carolina Arts Council Touring Program, and for retirement homes)
  • Supernatural and other Disasters
  • Russian Music (for the Duke Art Museum's Russian show)
  • Songs of the Sea
  • Christmas music from many lands
  • Hannukah in many lands
  • Fascinating Rhythm: songs and tunes in asymmetrical meters from many countries

We tailor our concert to your needs.

Some presenters like to combine a concert with a dance program (see left). If you have a contra dance or country dancing community in your area, this would provide an additional audience.

Workshops for young and old

Combining performances with classes and workshops is an excellent way to help audiences understand and get involved in unfamiliar traditions. All the members of Mappamundi are enthusiastic, articulate and experienced teachers:

  • Jane teaches college students and adults at the Duke University Short Courses program, and has given weeklong seminars at Pinewoods Folk Music Camp, at ElderHostel, and at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. She teaches music to K-3 at a day school.
  • Ken has taught music theory, ear training, arranging, composition, and improvisation, instrument building and history, across the continent and in Canada and Alaska, at institutions including the Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago), the University of Manitoba; and the New School for Social Research. He has given many solo workshops on living history, music, and instrument building.
  • Jim heads the string program in the music department of the Durham Magnet School.
  • Beth is tenured professor of Slavic languages, literature, and culture at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Experimentation, cultural and historical background, and laughter mingle plentifully in their sessions.

"As you can see from the evaluations, you were much admired and respected by all the teachers ... in my eight years at NCCAT I have nver had such a perfect relationship with a presenter. I loved your organization, your energy, your beautiful voice, your ability to make everyone feel at ease, and the fun you brought to the entire week."
Ada Setzer, North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching
"I liked Jane's enthusiasm, support, talent and HUMOR! The class was like a gathering of detention hall students, all lumped together because we felt we could not sing. There was an instant comraderie. I loved it."
Barbara Rhoades, CAPS Program

Some topics we have used include:

  • Instrument Building
  • 18th Century Music and Living History
  • Musical Instruments around the World
  • Improvisation for Guitar or Bass
  • Shape Note "Singing School"
  • Harmonizing for Everyone
  • Songs for Non-Singers
  • Eastern European Vocal Styles
  • Help for Tired Voices
Themes have included:
  • Colonial America
  • North Carolina
  • Eastern Europe
  • Songs of the Supernatural (Strange Things Happen)
  • Songs of the Sea
  • Traditional Songs from Women's Perspectives

Mappamundi homepage.