Our name is inspired by the opening lyrics from an anonymous song - ‘Hail, Basilinda!’ - made for a nun at the English Benedictine convent at Dunkirk on January 27, 1686.

The term ‘Basilinda’ was defined in multiple mid-to-late 17th-century texts as an ancient Greek game, in which a mock ruler was chosen by chance. Other sources define it as a game for Twelfth night, rituals for which occurred in late Medieval and early modern England at varying points around Epiphany, Candlemas, Shrove Tuesday, or Septuagesima. These rituals also often featured the selecting of a mock ruler through lots. There is evidence that such rituals took place in early modern English convents, with recreations before Lent including such rituals, in which a nun was selected by chance to essentially be ‘queen’ for a week of recreation (in one case, via cakes with beans in them).

As Twelfth Night invites a spirit of anarchy, so too does the Early Music tradition. Disputing traditional notions of who is really “in charge”, we aim for a more collaborative, equitable rehearsal process, and a more exciting performance experience for all involved.