Emerging Artists - Cordes en Ciel

Ensemble Cordes en Ciel is formed of Estonian lutenist/soprano Kristiina Watt and French/American soprano Héloïse Bernard. The duo met in Glasgow while studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, drawn together by a shared interest in the intimate and text-driven performance medium of the lute song and baroque monody.

Alongside vocal works the programmes feature solos on the renaissance lute, theorbo and baroque guitar. Inspired by the historical practice of self-accompanied singing, Kristiina and Heloise also perform vocal duos, including those sung by the fashionable all-female groups which first appeared in late 16th century Italy.