Kourou, a village in French Guiana. It is 1763 and an organized migration campaign brings roughly 11,000 farmers, craftsmen and artists from Europe to the French colony. The goal: to develop a prosperous, scientifically advanced and culturally vibrant community that would be at the forefront of overseas modernity. Political squabbling and logistical upheaval led to failure.

Arlequin Philosophe, Pedro Memelsdorff's new Baroque ensemble, brings out the awkward truth to the rhythm of African love songs, solemn funeral music, dazzling salon hits and religious repertoire from the Guyan jungle.