A voice, a lute and a hand-picked selection of songs from 17th century France to now, from the duo with the most chemistry in classical music.
About
Love is in the air when mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre and lutenist Thomas Dunford embark on a voyage across three centuries of French song.
Lea Desandre, named Female Singer of the Year at the Opus Klassik awards in 2022, is one of the brightest talents of her generation. Thomas Dunford, her partner in life and music, is the inspiring artistic director of Ensemble Jupiter. Together, they are taking the world of classical music by storm.
For her Australian recital debut, Lea Desandre explores an exquisite bouquet of songs from the Baroque to now, which explore the many shades of love, from tenderness to passion to heartbreak. At her side, Thomas Dunford brings sunny harmonies and captivating lute solos.
'It doesn't matter whether the texts are by Shakespeare or by modern songwriters', says Desandre. 'These are songs born out of someone grabbing an instrument and bringing the words to life, straight from the heart.'
This is a rare opportunity to hear 'the duo with the most chemistry in classical music' (OperaWire) in an intimate recital setting, singing and playing from the heart. Be charmed, mesmerised and utterly seduced by Lea Desandre and Thomas Dunford.
Artists
Lea Desandre mezzo-soprano
Thomas Dunford lute
Program
D’AMBRUYS
Le doux silence de nos bois
HAHN
Néère, from Études latines
À Chloris
HARDY
Le temps de l’amour
Le premier bonheur du jour
SATIE
Gnossienne No. 1
Gymnopédie No. 1
CHARPENTIER
Celle qui fait tout mon tourment
Auprès du feu l’on fait l’amour
MESSAGER
J’ai deux amants
Alice CHANCE
New work*
LAMBERT
Ma bergère est tendre et fidèle
Vos mépris chaque jour
LE CAMUS
On n’entend rien dans ce bocage
Laissez durer la nuit
DEBUSSY
Mes longs cheveux descendent
BARBARA
Dis, quand reviendras-tu?
OFFENBACH
Amour divin
*World premiere performances. Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia.
Reviews
‘Lea Desandre brought life and beauty to everything she touched.’ — New York Times
‘The best lute player since Dowland himself.’ — The Times
With special thanks
Special thanks to Musica Viva Australia Ensemble Patrons Philip Bacon AO and Susie Dickson for their generous support of this tour.
Presented in partnership with Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera.