In recent times, no-one has done more for the music of the French Baroque than the American-born French harpsichordist, conductor, and educator William Christie, the founder of the internationally-renowned Les Arts Florissants.

His passionate advocacy for the neglected – sometimes almost forgotten – French operas of the 17th and 18th centuries has polished these magnificent musical treasures and held them up to the light, revealing their elegance, sensuality, and sheer spectacle. He celebrates his recent 80th birthday, and 45 years since founding the group, in a prestigious international tour. The music is, of course, that which is closest to his heart, taken from the operas of Charpentier, Lully, and Rameau.

Vocal and instrumental music from:
Charpentier Médée
Lully Atys
Rameau Pigmalion; Les Fêtes d’Hébé; Platée; Hippolyte et Aricie; Les Indes galantes

Les Arts Florissants
William Christie director
Ana Viera Leite soprano
Rebecca Leggett mezzo soprano
Juliette Mey mezzo soprano
Bastien Rimondi tenor
Matthieu Walendzik baritone