Composer

Bernard Labadie offers a brilliant programme of Italian, French and English music featuring his own arrangements of two Baroque masterpieces especially made for Les Violons du Roy: Bach's monumental Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor and Pachelbel's poignant Chaconne in E minor.

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Chaconnes and passacaglias with Bernard Labadie

Palais Montcalm – Maison de la musique

The composer York Bowen grew up in the London suburb of Crouch Hill, where his father ran the renowned whiskey distillery "Bowen & McKechnie". After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, he conquered the concert halls as a piano virtuoso. But Bowen also played the viola and horn. In 1956 he composed a horn concerto whose beguiling beauty evokes a longing for bygone eras.

Poetry & Dance

Zeughaus Neuss

A little Italian boy is brought to France, enchants the king and has a stronger and more lasting influence on French musical life than any other: Jean-Baptiste Lully 's miraculous rise from an underage serf to "Conseiller secrétaire du roi" is not due to his musical talent. It is his dance numbers and parodies that enchant the future Sun King. He composes his own ballets and remains the Sun King's undisputed favorite composer for 25 years. He is the founder of the French national opera and writes the music for more than 50 stage works, as well as songs, motets and dances. His death is as dramatic as his life: during a rehearsal, the 55-year-old composer rams the heavy conductor's baton into his foot. The wound becomes infected and Lully, the dancer, dies because he refuses to have his foot amputated.

Vive la France!

Anneliese Brost Musikforum Ruhr

Join us for an exquisite afternoon of Baroque music as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, featuring the radiant soprano Julia Bullock, graces the stage of Zellerbach Hall on January 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm. This performance marks Bullock's second appearance of the season and the much-anticipated return of the period-instrument ensemble to Berkeley.

Under the theme of "Illuminations: Fractured History," the ensemble, celebrated for its fresh approach to Baroque music, will perform alongside Bullock, showcasing her gleaming soprano voice through a selection of arias from operas by Handel, Lully, Rameau, and Purcell. The program will be sung in Italian, French, and English, offering a rich tapestry of Baroque vocal music complemented by instrumental showpieces by Vivaldi, Bach, Pachelbel, and Handel.

Highlights of the program include Handel's "Overture from Music for the Royal Fireworks," Vivaldi's "Concerto in E major, Op. 8, No. 1, Spring from The Four Seasons," and Bach's "Schafe können sicher weiden from BWV 208," among others. This performance not only promises to be a celebration of Baroque music's enduring beauty but also a testament to the timeless appeal of historic instruments and the repertoire composed for them.

Tickets for this enchanting afternoon start at $56, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale on August 6 at noon. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the sublime artistry of Julia Bullock and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in a program that bridges the past and present through the universal language of music.

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with Julia Bullock

Cal Performances

Explore the life and influences of 17th-century Italian musician Antonia Bembo, whose incredible journey takes us from Venice to the court of Louis XIV in Paris. With text and narration by Symphony violinist and author Isabelle Fournier, and a spectacular performance by virtuoso lutenist Lucas Harris, we examine the rivalry and the union between French and Italian baroque music, art, and culture.

Corelli, Lully, & Bembo

St. Andrew's United Church

What could be more splendid, more magnificent, more powerful than the music composed for the wedding of the Sun King Louis XIV? Vincent Dumestre and his baroque ensemble Le Poème Harmonique convey an impression of the unique splendor of this wedding music.

The Harmonic Poem | Vincent Dumestre

Museum Ludwig

Julia Bullock brings the vocal fireworks to a night with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment celebrating the greatest hits of the 18th century.

Baroquebusters

Southbank Centre

Travel back in time to Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre. It’s May 1742 and the eccentric musician Mr Charles is hosting a vibrant showcase of the latest musical fashions from across Europe.

Irish Baroque Orchestra

The Queen's Hall

Ilumina, the São Paulo-based artist collective, was founded by the American violist Jennifer Stumm. It has quickly become a model for 21st century creativity and the advancement of diverse talent. Uniting leading soloists with gifted young musicians from Latin America, it nurtures rising artists and gives them a chance to shine.

Ilumina Residency: In The Light Of The Shadow

Usher Hall

Immerse yourself in the delights of high French Baroque music—from the passion of Rameau to the poise of Lully—with this keyboard-centered program performed by New York Philharmonic harpsichordist Paolo Boridignon, violinist Yura Lee, flutist Tara Helen O’Connor, and cellist Peter Stumpf. 

French Baroque Masters: Rameau & Lully

New Mexico Museum of Art

The Baroque Performance Institute Orchestra, now in its 52nd season, will present an enchanting orchestral performance at Oberlin's Finney Chapel. This year's program, titled "Music of Paris and Versailles, 1660-1760," promises a captivating journey through the rich musical heritage of the Baroque era. The concert will feature a selection of works by renowned composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully, Marin Marais, Jean-Marie Leclair, and Jean-Philippe Rameau. Highlights include Lully's Suite from "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme," Marais' Suite from "Alcione," and Leclair's Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7, No. 5, with violin soloist Edwin Huizinga. Additionally, the orchestra will perform Rameau's "Deuxième concert," transcribed for six parts, and the Suite from "Les Indes galantes." This performance will showcase the exceptional talents of both faculty and students of the Baroque Performance Institute, offering a rare opportunity to experience the elegance and grandeur of Baroque music in a historically informed setting.

Concert: Baroque Performance Institute Orchestra

Oberlin College

Join us for a mesmerizing evening of classical music as "The 24 Violins Cross the Alps" takes the stage on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 5pm. This extraordinary concert will be held at the prestigious Sanctuary of Brick Presbyterian Church, located at 1144 Park Avenue, nestled between 91st and 92nd Street. 

Last season, our largest ensemble of string musicians recreated the official string band of France’s court at Versailles. This year, for our 2023/24 finale, we are thrilled to reunite this incredible orchestra in a new program that celebrates the profound influence of Lully’s 24 Violons du Roy on German and Italian music. The evening will feature works by Muffat and Corelli, transporting the audience through a musical journey that bridges countries and centuries.

The program includes selections from Jean-Baptiste Lully’s masterpieces such as "Atys," "Le bourgeois gentilhomme," and "Les plaisirs de l’île enchantée," among others. Arcangelo Corelli’s "Concerto grosso in D major" and "Trio Sonata in E major" will showcase the Italian genius's contribution to the baroque era. Georg Muffat’s "Armonico tributo" will further enrich the evening with its harmonious blend of French, Italian, and German styles.

Our ensemble for the evening comprises a talented group of musicians playing Dessus de Violons, Hautes-contres, Tailles, Quintes, Violoncelles, Violes de gambe, Basses de violon, and Basse continue, along with Percussions, Théorbe, and Clavecin. This diverse array of instruments promises an authentic and immersive baroque experience.

Tickets are available for purchase now. We also offer free student tickets and community comp tickets to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience this magnificent performance. Please email music@sebastians.org with your proof of student status to reserve a ticket or to inquire about community comp tickets.

For your safety and comfort, we are currently mask-optional for audiences and will not be checking vaccine cards. However, we reserve the right to adjust our health and safety policies as needed and will communicate any changes in advance.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening where history, music, and talent converge. Buy your tickets today and let "The 24 Violins Cross the Alps" transport you to another era.

The 24 Violins Cross the Alps

The Brick Presbyterian Church

To celebrate PBO’s abundance of talent, each season will now feature a program curated by an orchestra member. First up is our esteemed leader, Carla Moore, in a concert that delves into Georg Philipp Telemann’s vast musical cupboard. We explore a kaleidoscope of textures and styles, from the musings of solo lute to a declamatory overture for the full cohort of strings. Further contrast abounds with French and Italian works by two of Telemann’s likely influencers, Joseph Bodin de Boismortier and Francesco Durante.

Telemann's Sublime Strings: Carla's Podium

First Baptist Church Portland

Reed College

Join us for an exquisite musical journey with "Concert Two: Soloist Marta Szlubowska, Violin," presented by the MCO. This captivating event is scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the stunning St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, located at 305 East Capitol Street, Jackson, MS, 39201.

Experience the virtuosity of Marta Szlubowska as she leads us through a selection of classical masterpieces, including the Ballet Suite's last movement by Jean-Baptiste Lully, Pavane by Gabriel Fauré, the evocative Autumn/Winter from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, and Suite 3 by Johann Bach. This performance promises to be a celebration of classical music that will enchant and inspire.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be moved by the power of music in a historic setting. For more information and to follow our events, connect with us on Facebook at MCOJackson or join our MCO Facebook Group. Don't miss this unforgettable musical experience!

Concert Two: Soloist Marta Szlubowska, Violin

St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral

Baroque riches abound as internationally acclaimed violinist Viktoria Mullova joins forces with guest conductor Jonathan Cohen, the newly appointed music director of Boston’s Handel & Haydn Society. Mullova’s unparalleled affinity for Bach shines in his Violin Concertos in A Minor and E Major. Wildly colorful suites by French Baroque composers Jean-Baptiste Lully and Jean-Philippe Rameau add a dash of French flair. 

Mullova Plays Bach

Harris Theater

Baroque riches abound as internationally acclaimed violinist Viktoria Mullova joins forces with guest conductor Jonathan Cohen, the newly appointed music director of Boston’s Handel & Haydn Society. Mullova’s unparalleled affinity for Bach shines in his Violin Concertos in A Minor and E Major. Wildly colorful suites by French Baroque composers Jean-Baptiste Lully and Jean-Philippe Rameau add a dash of French flair.

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

Music Of The Baroque: Mullova Plays Bach

Jean-Baptiste Lully was a French composer, conductor, and dancer who worked in the court of Louis the XIV. Despite his venerable status as an artist, Lully is perhaps best known for his death: He struck himself in the foot with a long conducting staff (this was before conductors waived batons, and instead would keep the orchestra in time by banging a large staff on the floor) and subsequently died of the infected wound.

Celebration Of The Dance

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church

Union Church of Hinsdale

Immerse yourself in the opulent sounds of the Baroque era with the "Voices of Versailles" concert, a highlight of the 2023/24 season presented by the Sebastians. This enchanting evening is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 5pm, taking place at the historic Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church, located at 152 West 66th St., nestled between Broadway and Amsterdam.

"Voices of Versailles" promises a rich auditory feast, featuring the combined talents of the eight singers from the Yale Voxtet and the Sebastians’ core quartet, which includes two violins, a cello, and a harpsichord. The ensemble will be further enhanced with the addition of recorders, oboes, viola, violone, and theorbo, creating a full-bodied sound that is sure to transport the audience back to the grandeur of the French Baroque period.

The concert's program is centered around Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s "La Couronne de fleurs," and will also include works by Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Jean-Baptiste Lully, Henry Purcell, and Jean-Féry Rebel, among others. The performance is expected to last between 80 and 90 minutes and will proceed without an intermission, ensuring an uninterrupted experience of sublime music.

Performers for the evening include notable musicians such as Margaret Owens and Geoffrey Burgess on oboe and recorder, Daniel Lee and Nicholas DiEugenio on violin, Annie Garlid on viola, Ezra Seltzer on cello, Nathaniel Chase on violone, Charles Weaver on theorbo, and Jeffrey Grossman on harpsichord, alongside the talented vocalists of the Yale Voxtet.

In keeping with the Sebastians' commitment to accessibility and community engagement, students of any age can attend the concert for free, subject to ticket availability and proof of student status. Additionally, community comp tickets are available for those who wish to attend but may find the cost prohibitive.

The Sebastians prioritize the health and safety of performers, staff, and audience members. While the event is currently mask-optional, the organization remains vigilant and may adjust policies in response to local health conditions. Attendees are encouraged to stay informed of any changes and to make responsible decisions regarding their own health and safety.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the "Voices of Versailles" and be swept away by the beauty and elegance of French Baroque music. Reserve your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of historical musical treasures.

Voices of Versailles

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Juilliard415 | Invention of the Orchestra

Lincoln Center

Be transported to another time and place as you listen to the Chamber Orchestra's first ever performance in the new Conrad Prebys Theatre at SDSU's Performing Arts District.

Setting the Scene - SDSU Chamber Orchestra

San Diego State University

The Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg

Williamsburg Library Theatre

The Feldman Chamber Music Society

Chrysler Museum of Art

The Stanford Baroque Soloists' spring concert, French Overtures — Ouvertures à la française, is directed by Anthony Martin and features music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, George Frederic Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, and more!

Stanford Baroque Soloists: French Overtures — Ouvertures à la française

Stanford University

Saskatoon’s own Alexa Haynes-Pilon has quickly established herself in the early music scene and is known for her brilliance on baroque cello, viola de gamba, and even baroque bassoon. She returns home to the prairies to lead your orchestra with her cello in a program of early music that gives us a glimpse into concert halls of the 17th century. It’s a chance to be immersed in some truly timeless classics.

Baroque Soul

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

The morning we were shepherds

Køge Town Hall

Join us for an enchanting evening of baroque music as The Sebastians present "The 24 Violins" on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 5pm. This special concert will take place at the Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church, located at 152 West 66th St., offering a journey back in time to the opulent court of France's Versailles.

"The 24 Violins" pays homage to the Vingt-quatre Violons du Roy, the celebrated string band of the French court, renowned for its distinctive sound and impeccable musicianship. For this tribute, The Sebastians have assembled their largest group of strings to date, aiming to recreate the magnificent ensemble's sonority. The program will feature a rich tapestry of music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, Louis XIV’s esteemed maître de musique, alongside Bach’s Overture in the French Style, creating a vivid musical dialogue between two countries and eras.

This concert is a unique opportunity for music lovers of all ages, with free admission available for students. We also offer community comp tickets for those who wish to attend but find the cost prohibitive, ensuring that music is accessible to all.

Please note that the venue is not wheelchair accessible, with twenty steps up to the sanctuary. For safety, we will closely monitor local COVID-19 conditions and may require proof of vaccination, masking, and distancing inside the concert hall. Detailed safety procedures will be announced closer to the performance date.

Don't miss this immersive experience into the heart of baroque music with The Sebastians. Reserve your ticket today and let us share the beauty of "The 24 Violins" together.

The 24 Violins

The wild power of nature inspires this program of orchestral showpieces, including Vivaldi’s Tempesta di Mare (Storm at Sea) concerto featuring violinist Alan Choo; Marais’ tempest scene from Alcione; and gorgeous arias sung by Amanda Forsythe.

Storms and Tempests

First United Methodist Church Of Akron

Rocky River Presbyterian Church

St. Paul's Cleveland Heights

Join Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and conductor Matthew Halls for music by Bach, Muffat and Lully.

Matthew Halls Conducts Bach

Colburn School

Schon wieder hat Jupiter für sich ein Objekt der Begierde ausgemacht, die schöne Nymphe Io. Ihre Auserwähltheit bleibt nicht lange geheim: Ihr Verlobter Hiérax beklagt schon ihre Untreue, bevor etwas passiert ist, aber obwohl Jupiter seine glanzvolle Macht und Größe vor ihr ausbreitet, lehnt Io seine Anträge ab. Das nützt ihr aber nichts, denn Juno, Jupiters nicht grundlos permanent eifersüchtige Gemahlin, hat ebenfalls Wind von der neuesten Schwärmerei ihres Mannes bekommen und will die Rivalin auf jeden Fall ausschalten. Jupiters Vernebelungstaktiken greifen nicht, Juno bringt Io in ihre Gewalt und setzt sie schrecklichen Qualen aus: Sie muss, von Furien verschleppt, in der kältesten Zone der Erde beinahe erfrieren, in der heißesten fast zerschmelzen. Als Io an Ägyptens Mittelmeerküste angespült wird, ist sie fast tot. Nun greift Jupiter endlich ein, er versöhnt sich mit Juno und macht Io unsterblich: Aus der Nymphe wird die ägyptische Göttin Isis. Diese personenreiche Tragédie en  musique mit dem obligatorischen, den Königverherrlichenden Prolog und fünf  abwechslungsreichen Akten, war die fünfte Zusammenarbeit zwischen Jean-Baptiste  Lully und dem Dichter Philippe Quinault, aber Isis blieb stets eine der unbekanntesten  Opern der beiden, was nicht unbedingt an der musikalischen Qualität liegt. Sie erhielt sogar den Beinamen „Die Oper der Musiker“: Die  Instrumentierung ist besonders farbig und fantasievoll, die Partitur birgt zahlreiche Schätze, so die Verzweiflungsarie der Io, „Terminez mes tourments“, den geradezu revuehaften dritten Akt, in dem die Geschichte von Pan und Syrinx wie eine Oper in  der Oper als Spiegelung der Haupthandlung gezeigt wird und die Schilderung der  Qualen von Io im vierten Akt. Der „Choeur des Trembleurs“, der vor Kälte Zitternden,  soll Vorbild für Purcells „Frost Scene“ in King Arthur gewesen sein. Trotzdem war Isis  ein Reinfall und beendete die Karriere des genialen Duos Lully/Quinault, denn sie  waren zu dreist geworden: Das Libretto barg eine unmissverständliche Anspielung auf die aktuelle Konkurrenz zweier Mätressen Ludwigs XIV. Der König war nicht  erfreut, und Isis sowie weitere Arbeiten Quinaults waren bei Hofe nicht mehr  erwünscht. 

Isis

During Bach’s composing years, French style and culture were highly influential in Germany, considered to add a refined touch to fashion, music, and more. So it is that French grace notes, like the rhythms of court dances, found their way into the music of a composer who never visited the country. Yet, as always, in his habit of exploring other genres and composers—he was known as a particular admirer of Couperin—Bach emerged as a distinctive voice. “What I call the French foam in Sebastian Bach’s music cannot—I must admit—be so readily lifted off that you can lay your hands on it. It is like ether: it permeates all, yet it is intangible,” German composer Karl Freidrich Zelter wrote in 1827, adding “his style is typically Bach, as is everything about him.”

J.S. Bach and the French Baroque

Carnegie Hall

For ten years now, the five musicians and friends have formed the ensemble Karidion Brass. With wit and passion, they introduce their listeners to the full diversity of brass music and inspire with their joy in making music together at the highest level. Under the open sky of the courtyard of Dobbertin Monastery, Karidion Brass presents a colorful and diverse program of virtuoso baroque pieces, sophisticated original compositions, and modern, jazzy melodies.

YOUNG ELITE Karidion Brass

Klosterkirche Dobbertin

Soprano Elisabeth St-Gelais and cellist Cameron Crozman, rising stars already receiving significant acclaim, join Jonathan Cohen for the first time in a magnificent concert showcasing the French overture, a genre pioneered by Lully and taken to new heights by Bach.

Grand concert D'ouverture

Place des Arts

Music from the court of Versailles begins and ends this sparkling exploration of the baroque. Jonathan Cohen leads a slimmed-down BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and shows just how flexible this group of players can be, as they weave their way through a selection of dances, fugues and concertos.

Composer

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 10, 2025

J.S. Bach and the French Baroque · Orchestra of St. Luke's

Jul 31, 2025

YOUNG ELITE Karidion Brass · Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

9 - 10 Oct, 2025

Grand concert D'ouverture · Les Violons du Roy

Jan 30, 2026

Music of the Sun King · BBC Philharmonic

Past events

15 - 16 May, 2025

Chaconnes and passacaglias with Bernard Labadie · Les Violons du Roy

Feb 23, 2025

Poetry & Dance · Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein

About

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