From Iran to France – historical and mythical female figures

From the Persian realm to Medieval Europe, from Iran to 21st-century France, love in its many forms is presented: dreamt, forbidden, mystical, and deadly – the place where transcendence and immanence meet. The Book of Queens, inspired by historical and mythical female figures, weaves together Persian melodies, European musical traditions, and texts from religious and secular sources – in a rich and vibrant soundscape. They are heroines, warriors, priestesses, saints, witches, poets, and composers. Through words and music, they keep on living. Their love language is universal – it defies both time’s distinctive features and social and religious upheavals. The project is based on works by, among others, Héloïse, Rabea Balkhi, Roudabeh, Hildegard von Bingen, Louise Labé, Barbara Strozzi, and Forough Farrokhzad.

The ensemble consists of Camille Bordet (artistic director, vocals, tombak), Mostafa Taleb (arrangements, kamancheh), Yunah Proost (arrangements, cello), Albane Imbs (arrangements, archiluth), and Miriam Encinas (percussion, nyckelharpa). With their own distinct backgrounds, and experiences marked by exile and exclusion, the musicians are united in the service of the community, and create a unique musical language uniting older music, Persian themes, and mythical texts from both secular and religious traditions. The audience is invited on a dream-like and spiritual journey – a dialogue between time and place.