Le Concert d'Astrée
Founded in 2000 by harpsichordist and conductor Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d’Astrée has quickly established itself as one of the leading baroque ensembles in France and internationally. Its distinctive interpretation—combining historical precision with expressive freedom—has won over an ever‑growing audience, from major Parisian halls to renowned festivals in Salzburg, Aix‑en‑Provence, Amsterdam, and Zurich.
From its earliest years, the ensemble has presented a repertoire ranging from the works of Handel, Bach, Monteverdi, and Rameau to the operas of Gluck and Jean‑Marie Leclair. Its discography, released on Erato Warner Classics, has frequently been acclaimed and awarded by the press. Recent projects include the 2025 Salzburg Festival production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare.
Since 2004, Le Concert d’Astrée has been ensemble‑in‑residence at the Opéra de Lille, enabling it to develop an ambitious programme of cultural outreach. Emmanuelle Haïm and her musicians perform in unexpected venues—train stations, nursery schools, prisons—in order to reach diverse audiences, often far removed from traditional concert halls. The ensemble is also committed to educational projects throughout the Hauts‑de‑France region, celebrating in 2025 ten years of residency at the Collège Miriam Makeba in Lille, a powerful symbol of its commitment to social engagement.
Le Concert d’Astrée collaborates with some of the greatest voices in baroque singing, including Nathalie Dessay, Philippe Jaroussky, Rolando Villazón, Sandrine Piau, Sabine Devieilhe, Jakub Józef Orliński, and Léa Desandre, further strengthening its international reach.
Finally, Le Concert d’Astrée is associated through 2027 with the very first Los Angeles Baroque Music Festival, whose artistic direction has been entrusted to Emmanuelle Haïm—underscoring the ensemble’s dedication to the worldwide promotion and dissemination of baroque music.
Convinced by the artistic vision of the ensemble and of Emmanuelle Haïm, the Foundation supported Le Concert d’Astrée from 2007 to 2016 and renewed its partnership in 2021.
Photo credit: ©Fanny Destombes
