Stour Music 2025: ApotropaK Bella Donna

Clmence Niclas voice, recorders Louise Bouedo bowed fiddle Marie-Domitille Murez gothic harp Clment Stagnol medieval lute

Apotropaque 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, youll hear soul, virtuosity and passion through the early medieval Cantigas de Santa Mara on to poet/composer Machaut and the virtuosity of Dufay. A rare chance to hear this repertoire with the flamboyance it deserves.

Sponsored by Gilbert Holbourn