3rd Early Music Season

The Baroque season in China, initiated by the Forbidden City Concert Hall and the French Institute as part of the Croisements festival, will be in its third edition.

We are excited that this annual event centered on European music from the 17th and 18th centuries, and interpreted on ancient instruments, is welcomed with such a strong interest by audiences in Beijing and Wuhan. We wish to sincerely thank the audiences for their presence and fidelity. The Baroque period arose in 1600 and spanned to around 1750.

It possessed a particular richness and was present throughout Europe. Having roots in folk music it was enriched during this century and a half thanks to hundreds of composers who worked at the service of the reigning royalty all over the continent. Religious music, music for parties, balls, theaters, dinners; it illustrated and illuminated the life and times in the courts of kings.

Each spring the period is revived with a selection of songs highlighting the artistic richness and diversity of the style; for which, outstanding musicians are invited to come interpret these works.

Italy particularly valued castratos. The best composers delivered melodies particularly full of virtuosity and emotion for these exceptional voices.

Today, they are interpreted by countertenors. Damien Guillon, directing his ensemble the Banquet Céleste, sings Vivaldi, Scarlatti, or Porpora. What is less known is that, during that same time, France was particularly recognized in the art of dance.

King Louis XIV, reigning from Versailles, was himself a very good dancer and took part in great ballets full of pomp, organized within his castle. During one of them, he did a very talented interpretation of the Sun character, which is regarded as the origin for his nickname, the "Sun King". These Baroque dances were discovered in the 1970s thank to choreographic booklets precisely defining the steps, gestures, and movements in space.

The Eventail Baroque Dance Company, accompanied by the Folies Françoises orchestra, will present for the first time in China, a performance of Baroque dance.

The art of contrast and duality remains king, it is also the reign of charm and elegance; imbued with passion, the reign of clarity of melodies with a soothing pace.

Born four centuries ago, Baroque dance, always a universal language, ends in a beautiful way, with "La Belle Danse" (The beautiful Dance) for this 2013 Baroque Season.

May these original encounters allow you the chance to experience an excellent festival.

Damien Guillon & Le Banquet Céleste Ensemble

Le Banquet Céleste is an ensemble of musicians surrounding the countertenor Damien Guillon. The ensemble works both on lesserknown repertoires and on Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. They favor eclectic programs, with a special affection for German Baroque music such as, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Nikolaus Bruhns, and their contemporaries.

WUHAN April 19th 19.30 Qintai Concert Hall

BEIJING April 20th 19.30 Forbidden City Concert Hall