Le Poème Harmonique is a French classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1998 by Vincent Dumestre, a French lutenist and conductor, with the aim of exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of Baroque music and bringing it to a wider audience. Dumestre, who was born in 1968 in Lyon, France, studied music at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he specialized in the lute and early music. He went on to perform with several renowned Baroque music ensembles, including Les Arts Florissants and La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy, before founding Le Poème Harmonique. The ensemble's name, Le Poème Harmonique, is derived from the Greek concept of "harmonia," which refers to the balance and unity of different elements in music. The ensemble's mission is to create a harmonious blend of voices and instruments, and to bring to life the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque music. Le Poème Harmonique is made up of a core group of musicians, including Vincent Dumestre on lute and guitar, Claire Lefilliâtre and Hanna Bayodi-Hirt on vocals, and various instrumentalists who play a range of Baroque instruments, such as the viola da gamba, harpsichord, and cornetto. Since its founding, Le Poème Harmonique has performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals and concert halls, including the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, and the Wigmore Hall in London. The ensemble has also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including "Le Concert Royal de la Nuit," which won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award in 2007. One of the highlights of Le Poème Harmonique's career was its performance of "Le Concert Royal de la Nuit" at the Palace of Versailles in 2007. This performance, which was a recreation of a famous Baroque ballet that was first performed at the palace in 1653, featured over 100 performers, including dancers, singers, and musicians. The performance was a huge success, and was hailed as a triumph of Baroque music and dance. Another notable performance by Le Poème Harmonique was its collaboration with the French choreographer Benjamin Millepied on the ballet "La Nuit Blanche," which was performed at the Opéra Garnier in Paris in 2016. This performance, which was a modern interpretation of the Baroque ballet, featured music by Jean-Philippe Rameau and was praised for its innovative choreography and stunning visuals. In addition to its performances, Le Poème Harmonique is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has collaborated with several educational institutions, including the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Overall, Le Poème Harmonique is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and interpretation of Baroque music. With its innovative and dynamic approach to music-making, the ensemble has won numerous awards and accolades, and has inspired audiences around the world with its passion and dedication to the art of music.

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