On 15 March 2025, music lovers at Collège Champittet were treated to an exceptional concert by Franco-Italian mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre and French lutenist Thomas Dunford. The two artists paid tribute to the evolution of the French chanson throughout the ages in a marvellous programme, “Idylle”, based on the duo’s recent album of the same name. Named “Female Singer of the Year” by Opus Klassik 2022 and winner of the Prix de la Critique 2024, Lea Desandre is a diva in the finest sense of the word. This rising opera star has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Opéra National de Paris, the Salzburg Festival, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival. Described as “an Eric Clapton of the lute” by BBC Music Magazine, Thomas Dunford has brought his talent as a lutenist to renowned stages across the world, including New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Wigmore Hall.
In an intimate concert held at the chapel of Collège Champittet, Lea and Thomas interpreted three centuries of French love songs, exploring emotions ranging from longing and desire to fascination and happiness. The pair took the audience on an exquisite musical journey from Michel Lambert to Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Claude Debussy to Barbara. Daniel Zumbrunnen, Academic Director of the Swiss Maturité and French Baccalaureate, and Dean of 11th to 14th grades at Collège Champittet, expressed his admiration, stating, 'It was an incredible concert – perhaps the most wonderful moment in the history of the Saison Culturelle.' He added, 'Listening to Lea Desandre perform Barbara was absolutely beautiful… a thousand thanks to these two artists who lit up the chapel with their talent and kindness!'
