The ensemble La Chartreuse de Valbonne presents well-known and forgotten songs from the 17th century, Rococo and the Romantic Era. With Jelma van Amersfoort's passion for musicological research and Sigurd van Lommel's sense of theater, the ensemble brings original and innovative concert programs which are full of unheard musical jewels. The world of these songs is populated by nymphs, shepherds, dissapointed lovers and sleeping beauties, who deal with the bigger and smaller issues of life.

Jelma van Amersfoort is a specialist in historical plucked instruments, especially the theorbo and the romantic guitar. Sigurd van Lommel has a background in the theatre and sings both classical and modern music.

After their joint collaboration at the recording of the CD-album 'Salamone Rossi Ebreo' with the ensemble Hypothésis in the abbey of ‘La Chartreuse de Valbonne’ in the south of France (2003), Jelma and Sigurd decided to continue to work together. They focus on songs from the period 1650 – 1800, accompagnied by historical instruments. Both ‘La Bonbonnière Lyrique’ (early Romanticism) and ‘Laisse-Moy Soupirer’ (Baroque) are examples of programs performed by the ensemble La Chartreuse de Valbonne. When suitable, the ensemble invites other musicians to join them for special projects.

Jelma in front