Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

Le Concert Francais is a classical music ensemble that has been delighting audiences with its performances of Baroque and Classical music for over 40 years. Founded in 1979 by harpsichordist and conductor Pierre Hantaï, the ensemble has become known for its impeccable musicianship and its commitment to bringing the music of the past to life. Pierre Hantaï was born in Paris in 1964 and began playing the harpsichord at a young age. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris and quickly established himself as one of the leading harpsichordists of his generation. In 1979, he founded Le Concert Francais with a group of like-minded musicians who shared his passion for Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of successful performances in France and abroad. In 1982, Le Concert Francais made its debut at the Festival de Saintes, one of the most prestigious early music festivals in Europe. The ensemble's performance was a resounding success, and it quickly became a regular fixture at the festival. Over the years, Le Concert Francais has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Wigmore Hall in London, and the Salzburg Festival in Austria. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and violinist Isabelle Faust. One of the highlights of Le Concert Francais's career came in 2000, when the ensemble was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the new Cité de la Musique in Paris. The concert, which featured works by Bach, Handel, and Rameau, was a triumph, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the world. In addition to its performances, Le Concert Francais has also recorded extensively. The ensemble's discography includes over 30 albums, many of which have received critical acclaim. In 2008, the ensemble won a Diapason d'Or award for its recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations, and in 2015, it won another Diapason d'Or for its recording of Rameau's Les Indes Galantes. Le Concert Francais is known for its commitment to historical performance practice, and the ensemble uses period instruments and techniques to recreate the sound of the Baroque and Classical eras. The ensemble's musicians are all highly skilled and experienced, and they work together to create a cohesive and expressive sound. Today, Le Concert Francais continues to perform and record, and it remains one of the most respected and admired Baroque ensembles in the world. The ensemble's commitment to historical performance practice and its dedication to bringing the music of the past to life have made it a favorite of audiences and critics alike.

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