Ensemble Jupiter, directed by lutenist Thomas Dunford, performs a theatrical Baroque programme at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montréal as part of Festival Bach 2026. The evening centres on a musical portrait of the warrior woman drawn from a rare operatic repertoire, featuring works by Provenzale, Vivaldi, Cavalli, Destouches, and Pallavicino.
Mezzo-soprano Léa Desandre joins Dunford and the ensemble for what promises to be an exuberant and dramatically intense performance, combining instrumental virtuosity with the characteristic elegance for which Ensemble Jupiter is known.
Thomas Dunford previously captivated Festival audiences with a solo recital in 2025; this concert marks his return as director of his own ensemble. Bachtrack has described Ensemble Jupiter as 'already a major force in the world of early and Baroque music.'
Lineup
Ensemble Jupiter
Ensemble Jupiter is a period-instrument ensemble regarded by Bachtrack as already a major force in the world of early and Baroque music, praised for combining instrumental virtuosity, theatrical exuberance, and characteristic elegance.
Thomas Dunford
Thomas Dunford is a lutenist who leads Ensemble Jupiter and previously gave a solo recital at Festival Bach in 2025 that thrilled audiences; he returns in 2026 as director of his ensemble alongside mezzo-soprano Léa Desandre.
Léa Desandre
Léa Desandre is a mezzo-soprano who joins Ensemble Jupiter and Thomas Dunford for this programme of rare Baroque operatic repertoire centred on warrior heroines.
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