Citadel of Song: Plague-Proof Ballate from Boccaccio's The Decameron

As the Black Death ravaged their city, ten people left Florence and went into the countryside to build a fortress of songs, stories and dances that would protect them from pandemic-induced soul-destroying fear and creeping dispassion. This is the frame of Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron, the iconic masterpiece of Western literature written during & relating to the plague that swept through Asia and Europe between 1347 and 1351.

While the cataclysm of the Plague always remains suspended in the background, the songs in The Decameron centre on the joyful, hopeful, fraught & painful aspects of romantic love - an enduring preoccupation of humanity.

Anakronos borrows Boccaccio's conceit and re-presents his lyrics for today in a way that is artistically original, accessible, and emotionally poignant.

Founded in 2019 by Caitríona O'Leary, Anakronos is dedicated to presenting early music in a uniquely modern way, combining ancient music, jazz & contemporary styles. The ensemble's debut album, THE RED BOOK OF OSSORY, set to music the words of medieval Kilkenny witch-burner, Bishop Richard de Ledrede, and was released internationally to rave reviews. For Anakronos' new project, CITADEL OF SONG, Caitríona O'Leary has set song lyrics from Boccaccio's The Decameron to Italian music of the time (14th century) as a starting point for creating a stunning new musical experience.

Anakronos is comprised of celebrated and adventurous virtuoso musicians from the worlds of classical music, early music, jazz and traditional music.

Caitríona O'Leary - Singer & Music Director

Nick Roth - Saxophones, Percussion

Deirdre O'Leary - Clarinets

Barry O'Halpin - Electric Guitar

Andrea Piccioni - Frame Drums

*Vaccine Certificates are mandatory for patrons over the age of 18 to attend this performance. A valid form of ID is required to check certificates.*