Desandre & Dunford

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.

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 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.

‘Lea Desandre brought life and beauty to everything she touched.’ — New York Times

‘The best lute player since Dowland himself.’ — The Times

This performance is currently available as part an Opera Australia 2027 Season Subscription and will be available as part of a Musica Viva Australia 2027 Season Subscription from 26 August 2026. Single tickets will be available from 7 October 2026.

Special thanks to 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.