Photo : Paul-Louis Rinuy
Songs of Exile
Deep roots and lost languages come alive as a soprano and double bassist breathe new soul into centuries of oral heritage. It is a rare chance to hear the haunting, defiant beauty of Ladino folk songs where Andalusian passion meets the sorrow of the Balkans. Experience these raw stories of identity that refuse to be silenced.
Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance (Paris 11th)
About
The church of Notre-Dame d’Espérance hosts the concert Chants de l’exil on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This performance revives the Ladino language—an ancient Judeo-Romance tongue—through melodies passed down orally over centuries. Soprano Jennifer Tani and double bassist Charlotte Testu explore themes of resistance and female identity in this emotionally charged repertoire. Suitable for ages 12 and up, this event is completely free of charge. Doors open at 16:45 for entry on a first-come, first-served basis, with the music starting at 17:00 and running until 18:15.
It took great tenacity to rediscover these songs of exile, these melodies transmitted orally from century to century, from shore to shore, of which there is no written record and whose language, Ladino, an ancient Judeo-Romance language derived from old Castilian, is destined to disappear. Soprano Jennifer Tani and double bassist Charlotte Testu bring this oral heritage to life with emotion, a heritage that speaks of the suffering and joys of these women torn between multiple identities, who wish to never submit or conform. These songs of resistance and passion move us, at the crossroads of Andalusian snapping, Eastern arabesques, and the Slavic moans of the Balkans.
Our take on this event
Discover the haunting beauty of Ladino music at the Notre-Dame d’Espérance church in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Chants de l'exil focuses on this rare, unwritten oral heritage, performed by soprano Jennifer Tani and double bassist Charlotte Testu. Their performance blends Andalusian, Oriental, and Slavic influences to capture the resilience and joy of women navigating multiple worlds, refusing to conform or lose their cultural roots.
The performance is open to attendees aged 12 and over. Admission is free, with entry provided on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 16:45. The recital lasts from 17:00 to 18:15.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and ensures inclusivity for all guests. The event is specifically adapted for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, featuring sign language interpretation, and provides a welcoming environment for those with cognitive disabilities.
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