About the Magpies...
The Magpie Consort is a mixed ensemble of twentyvoices. Most of our music is sung a cappella, but we occasionally welcome instrumentalists. Our repertoire is extremely diverse, and quite unique in Columbus. It includes medieval motets and plainsong, renaissance madrigals and sacred polyphony, 18th century psalmody, 20th century compositions from many parts of the world, folk song and world music settings, and music written for the group by its director, Sheena Phillips.
The Magpies have appeared in Columbus, Zanesville, Findlay, Dayton and Lancaster. Performances have included a fully staged Christmas music drama based on medieval mystery plays, and programs on the themes 'Celtic Voices', ‘Water Music’, ‘Sounds of the East’, 'Visions of Heaven', 'Northern Lights’, ‘Rhythms of Life’ and ‘Voices of Day and Night’.
The Magpies are broadcast regularly on the Columbus classical music station WOSU 89.7 FM, and have issued three full-length recordings.
The Magpies, March 2010. (photo: Ed Crockett)