Gaita Medieval Music

Advanced dancers. We offer a range of services including performances, publications, and event bookings.

Gaita Mediaeval Music is Scotland's leading ensemble specialising in mediaeval music. Our musicians are dedicated to performing this unique genre in a mediaeval context. Our repertoire primarily consists of secular and courtly music from Mediaeval Europe, with a particular focus on Scotland, France, Spain, and Italy.

One of our notable offerings is our concert programmes, where we carefully develop themes and interweave music with tales and anecdotes from the mediaeval times. Concerts are performed with period instruments and in period dress, providing an authentic and immersive experience. Some of our popular programmes include “Arthur's Court – Songs of Romance and Chivalry,” “Days of the Decameron,” “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and “No Miracle Too Small.

In addition to performances, Gaita also publishes books of transcriptions from mediaeval manuscripts. Our publications include works such as the Cantigas de Santa Maria of Alfonso, the Wise, the Llibre Vermell, and the Cantigas d'amigo of Martin Codax. These books allow enthusiasts and scholars to delve deeper into the rich heritage of mediaeval music.

Gaita is also available for weddings and corporate events, where we offer a sumptuous feast for the ears and eyes. Imagine having the enchanting sounds of mediaeval music in a mediaeval castle or as a striking addition to your corporate event. We bring a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any special occasion.

To stay updated with our concerts, new publications, and CDs, we invite you to join our mailing list. Simply visit our website and enter your contact information to receive regular updates.

The name “Gaita” has historical significance. In Old Occitan, it means “watchman,” referring to a guard of town walls equipped with a horn or a shawm to raise the alarm. In the Troubadour song genre called the “Alba” (dawn song), the Gaita is a stock character who guards a tower where two lovers spend the night and alerts them of any intruders. The same word in English became the “Waite,” a member of a town band.

Interestingly, “Gaita” is also used to refer to a North African shawm and certain Spanish and Balkan bagpipes, highlighting the association with loud instruments.

For bookings and inquiries, please contact Chris Elmes in Edinburgh, Scotland. You can reach us via phone at (+44) 07999 533 634 or email us at info@gaita. Co. uk.

Please note that all content, text, design, and images on our website and publications are copyrighted by Chris Elmes and Cait Webb. We strive to provide the highest quality of mediaeval music and ensure an engaging and memorable experience for our audiences.