Machaut Weekend May 1-3, 2026 Join us for a three-day festival featuring the poetry and music of 14th-century Europe’s greatest poet and composer, Guillaume de Machaut (d. 1377). We’ll explore the courtly chansons that are the heart of his work, sample his polytextual motets, sing the celebrated Messe de Nostre Dame by candlelight in Emmanuel…

Wrap up Blue Heron's Machaut Weekend with a program connecting Machaut to the next generation. Late-14th-century Ars subtilior (the “more subtle art”) composers built on his work, crafting songs about mysterious, smoky speculators known as fumeurs. Enjoy projected texts and illustrations, a taste of French food & drink, and—as an extra treat—learn how to sing…