This Dutch four-headed band performs medieval music in a completely unique style they proudly call Mighty Medieval Music. With sparkling vocal harmonies, remarkable historical instruments, and an unmistakable sense of joy and playfulness, this ensemble brings centuries-old music back to life as if it were written yesterday. DATURA’s performances are atmospheric, surprising, and accessible to a wide audience — from lovers of early music to curious listeners eager to immerse themselves in the sounds of times long past.
DATURA has been playing for over 20 years, and meanwhile they have collected the crème-de-la-crème of the most beautiful medieval melodies. Their music originates from all across Western Europe: from England to Italy, from Czech to Spain. They also perform songs from the now long forgotten land of Occitania.
While DATURA draws inspiration from historical sources, the ensemble also gives the music its own artistic interpretation. The result is a concert experience that feels authentic while remaining fresh and contemporary.
Their music is accompanied by stories about magical harps, beautiful maidens and fish soup. In rich four-part harmonies they sing of nightingales, unattainable love, the god Bacchus and the Virgin Mary. DATURA values its connection with the audience and enjoys sharing the stories behind the music and their medieval instruments during performances: fiddle, harp, hurdy-gurdy, lute, davul drum and various flutes.
With passion, craftsmanship and a deep love for early music, DATURA continually creates a unique atmosphere in which history becomes both audible and tangible.
In 2023 DATURA released a remarkable album: PRAESENS ET PRAETERITUM. Not only did they record their newest medieval hits, they also wrote a book. The book contains background stories about the songs, lyrics, articles about their favourite medieval subjects, a singing course, a recipe, personal stories, and even their own artwork. Everything is bilingual — in Dutch and English. The full-colour publication contains 96 pages. The music was recorded at Dearworld Studio with Fieke van den Hurk.
Like medieval troubadours, they have travelled across Europe performing at major medieval festivals, including: Horsens Middelalderfestival, Middelalderdage Slot Voergard (Denmark) Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l’Oiseau (France), De Quaye Werelt, Quondam (Belgium) Mittelalterfestival (Denmark), La Médiévale de Brie-Comte-Robert (France), Middeleeuws Ter Apel, Gebroeders van Lymborch Festival and Castlefest (The Netherlands)
Datura consists of:
- Nynke Glazema - viella, shawm and vocals
- Tom Haage - lute, flute and vocals
- Francesco Scafidi - davul, mouth harp, tambourine and vocals
- Lies Sommer: harp, hurdy-gurdy, shawm and vocals
