Les Arts Florissants

Les Arts Florissants, a world-renowned baroque ensemble, invite you on a refined musical journey at La Seine Musicale. Under the direction of William Christie, expect a masterful interpretation of the baroque repertoire.

Founded in 1979 by the French-American harpsichordist William Christie, Les Arts Florissants quickly established itself as one of the pioneering and most influential ensembles in the revival of baroque music on period instruments. Their name is a tribute to a small opera by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, a composer whose rediscovery they largely contributed to. The ensemble is particularly renowned for its interpretations of works by French and European composers of the 17th and 18th centuries, ranging from opera to chamber music, oratorios, and motets. William Christie, an emblematic figure of this baroque renaissance, is praised for his musicological rigour and his ability to breathe new life into sometimes forgotten scores.

Their repertoire extends from great masters such as Jean-Baptiste Lully, François Couperin, and Jean-Philippe Rameau, to lesser-known but equally fascinating composers. Les Arts Florissants have made history through memorable stage productions and authoritative discographic recordings. Their approach is characterised by a constant search for sonic and stylistic authenticity, using period instruments and relying on historical interpretation treatises. This approach allows them to restore the richness and subtlety of the works with remarkable fidelity, offering the audience a listening experience close to that of the composers' contemporaries.

Attending a concert by Les Arts Florissants means discovering the finesse and virtuosity of an ensemble that has maintained a constant level of excellence for over forty years. Their performances are renowned for their clarity, expressiveness, and the cohesion of their musicians and singers. William Christie's direction is always imbued with a deep understanding of the works, revealing nuances and emotions with great sensitivity. This appearance at La Seine Musicale promises an immersion in the elegance and grandeur of baroque music, interpreted by artists who are its most fervent ambassadors.

La Seine Musicale, with its renowned acoustics, offers an ideal setting to appreciate the delicate sound and harmonic richness of baroque instruments.