Fondation Les Arts Florissants

Founded in 1979 by William Christie, Les Arts Florissants has become one of the benchmark ensembles in the interpretation of the Baroque repertoire, particularly that of the French Grand Siècle and European music of the 17th and 18th centuries. For over forty years, the ensemble has been dedicated to rediscovering, disseminating, and transmitting this musical heritage, both in France and internationally.

The creation of the Fondation Les Arts Florissants–William Christie in 2017 made it possible to structure and expand the ensemble’s training and transmission activities aimed at young musicians and singers. Among these initiatives, the biennial academy Le Jardin des Voix, founded in 2002 and directed by William Christie and Paul Agnew, is designed for young opera singers at the beginning of their careers. After an intensive three‑week programme, the laureates prepare a staged opera production, premiered during the festival Dans les Jardins de William Christie in Thiré (Vendée), before embarking on an international tour. They thus benefit from international stage experience in collaboration with renowned professionals, supporting their long‑term artistic development and professional integration.

Since 2007, a partnership with the Juilliard School in New York has enabled Les Arts Florissants to provide part of the Baroque‑music training for students there, strengthening Franco‑American artistic exchange through numerous masterclasses and collaborations, particularly during the festival Dans les Jardins de William Christie.

A partner of Les Arts Florissants between 1987 and 1989, the Société Générale Corporate Foundation renewed its commitment in 2022 alongside the Fondation Les Arts Florissants–William Christie, and has been supporting its mission to transmit and promote Baroque musical heritage and to train the next generation of artists.

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