The Orchestre de l'Opera National de Lyon is a classical music ensemble based in Lyon, France. The orchestra was founded in 1969 as the Orchestre de Chambre de Lyon, and it was later renamed the Orchestre Philharmonique de Lyon in 1975. In 1983, the orchestra became the resident orchestra of the Opera National de Lyon, and it was renamed the Orchestre de l'Opera National de Lyon. The orchestra has had several music directors throughout its history, including Louis Frémaux, John Eliot Gardiner, Kent Nagano, and Jun Märkl. Under the direction of these conductors, the orchestra has become known for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance of Berlioz's Les Troyens in 2003. The production was directed by Luc Bondy and featured a star-studded cast, including Deborah Polaski, Susan Graham, and Gregory Kunde. The performance was widely praised for its musical and dramatic excellence, and it helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as one of the finest in France. In addition to its performances at the Opera National de Lyon, the orchestra has also toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Some of its most notable performances include concerts at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. The orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout its history. In 1993, it was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. In 2007, it was awarded the Victoire de la Musique Classique for its recording of Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé. The orchestra's current music director is Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, who took over the position in 2020. Szeps-Znaider is a renowned violinist and conductor, and he has worked with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Under Szeps-Znaider's leadership, the orchestra has continued to push the boundaries of classical music performance. In 2021, it performed a series of concerts featuring the music of Beethoven and Shostakovich, which were praised for their emotional intensity and technical precision. Overall, the Orchestre de l'Opera National de Lyon is a world-class ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. With its innovative programming, high-quality performances, and talented musicians, it is sure to continue to be a major force in the classical music world for years to come.

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