Les Witches is a French classical music ensemble that specializes in early music. The group was founded in 1999 by five musicians who shared a passion for the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of the ensemble were Claire Michon (recorders), Pascale Boquet (viola da gamba), Sylvie Moquet (viola da gamba), Odile Edouard (harpsichord), and Isabelle Saint-Yves (lute). The name "Les Witches" is a reference to the witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, and reflects the ensemble's interest in the supernatural and mysterious aspects of early music. The group's repertoire includes music from the 16th to the 18th centuries, with a particular focus on French and English music. Les Witches quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and dynamic performances, which combined historical accuracy with a modern sensibility. The ensemble's members are all highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to exploring the nuances and subtleties of early music. One of the highlights of Les Witches' early career was their performance at the Festival de Sablé in 2000. This prestigious festival is dedicated to early music and attracts some of the world's most renowned ensembles. Les Witches' performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to establish the group as a rising star in the early music world. Over the years, Les Witches has performed at many other major festivals and venues, including the Festival d'Ambronay, the Festival de Saintes, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and the Wigmore Hall in London. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the vocal ensemble Vox Luminis and the viol consort Fretwork. In addition to their live performances, Les Witches has released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Nobody's Jig: Mr. Playford's English Dancing Master," was released in 2001 and featured music from the popular 17th-century dance manual The English Dancing Master. The album was praised for its lively and engaging performances, and helped to establish Les Witches as a leading interpreter of early dance music. Other notable recordings by Les Witches include "Fortune My Foe: Music for Henry VIII" (2009), which features music from the court of Henry VIII, and "The Secret Music of Louis XIV" (2015), which explores the music of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV. Both albums received widespread critical acclaim and helped to cement Les Witches' reputation as one of the foremost early music ensembles of their generation. In addition to their live performances and recordings, Les Witches has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2002, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for their album "Nobody's Jig." They have also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Award and the International Classical Music Award. Despite their success, Les Witches remains committed to exploring new and innovative approaches to early music. The ensemble's members are constantly seeking out new repertoire and experimenting with different performance styles and techniques. Their dedication to their craft has earned them a loyal following of fans and admirers, and has helped to ensure that the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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