Idrîsî Ensemble

The programme explores this journey starting with 10th century Armenian poet Grigor Narekatsi, in a medieval melody transcribed by Robert At’ayan. Rare liturgical chants, female-perspective motets, and traditional polyphonies offer further glimpses into the context and influence of female troubadours. The concert ends with oral tradition polyphonies from Corsica. 

After enduring 20 years of relentless persecution and inquisition, Occitan survivors found refuge in the mountains of Corsica. This final and often overlooked episode of Cathar history ends in tragedy, with continental forces ultimately tracking down and annihilating the refugees. Idrîsî Ensemble hope to acknowledge the trobairitz not as French subjects, but as distinct artists profoundly rooted in the wider Mediterranean. Exiled in the mountains of Corsica, the trobairitz sung a Mediterranean ‘blues’. Their orientation within a male dominated art, their trauma and spiritual sensibilities merge to reflect upon the northern gaze, and the power struggles of other geographical, cultural and sexual identities.