Bella Donna

Apotropaïque means an object/saying used to protect against evil or misfortune. This brilliant ensemble - 'the real thing’ (RH) - has won international competitions and is currently in residence at Fondation Royaumont.

The ‘Bella Donna’ in courtly love praises an idealised woman but also embodies the poisonous if sublime Deadly Nightshade, used by witches to prepare hallucinogenic ointments. Singing of ‘Temperance, Charm and Torment’, you’ll hear soul, virtuosity, and passion through the early medieval Cantigas de Santa María on to poet/composer Machaut and the virtuosity of Dufay. A rare chance to hear this repertoire with the flamboyance it deserves.