Duo Le Gentil Dame

Duo Le Gentil Dame was formed in Palermo, Sicily, in 2006 by mandolinist Camilla Finardi and cellist Daniela Santamaura. The duo explores eighteenth-century chamber music written specifically for mandolin and cello by European composers including Leone, Gervasio, Boni, Riggieri, Hoffmann and Denis. It subsequently performed throughout Italy for important musical institutions.

Camilla Finardi graduated with honours in mandolin from the Milan Conservatory and holds a degree in musicology. She has received awards at international mandolin competitions. She performs as a soloist and with numerous chamber ensembles, including on historical instruments, and has made several recordings. She has taught mandolin in music high schools in northern Italy.

Daniela Santamaura studied at the Paris Conservatory and graduated in chamber music from the Palermo Conservatory. She undertook further chamber-music study with Bruno Canino. She has taught cello at schools and music associations in Sicily and performs with several chamber ensembles.