Franciscus & de Sultan

More than 800 years ago, Francis of Assisi walked barefoot to the camp of Sultan Malek al-Kamil. Instead of fighting, Francis and the sultan engaged in spiritual conversations for three days and saw in each other a longing for peace. This is how they ended the cycle of violence between Christians and Muslims during the time of the Fifth Crusade. That meeting forms the inspiration for a musical dialogue in this programme. Ensemble Constantinople and Holland Baroque fuse cultures and styles. They traverse boundaries between old and new, East and West, improvisation and composition. Constantinople explores distant horizons, while Holland Baroque lends baroque a touch of whimsical freedom. Together they show that interest and creativity go beyond borders, and that music is a universal language of unity and innovation. An appeal to international dialogue and peace. The musical odyssey of Francis of Assisi Francis of Assisi’s spiritual dialogue with Sultan Malek al-Kamil presents a beautiful opportunity for a musical journey of discovery in Francis’s footsteps. What music might he have encountered on his travels? Starting with his very own Canticle of the Sun and Tuscan lauds, the exploration delves into the vast realm of the Sultan, a place where echoes of the Mongolian steppes mixed with the sophisticated musical traditions of Persia and Arabia. This lecture invites you to embark with Franciscus on a journey to various musical oases and listen closely to what they offer.