The Orchestre des Champs-Elysées, which was founded in 1991 by Philippe Herreweghe, specializes in interpreting works from the mid-18th century to the beginning of modernism. Its repertoire extends from Haydn to Mahler, featuring performances with the types of instruments that would have been used during the time of the respective composers. The musicians functioned for many years as the resident orchestra of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. They have performed in the leading concert halls of Europe, including the Vienna Musikverein, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the London Barbican Centre, the Parco della Musica in Rom, the Frankfurt Alte Oper, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Munich Gasteig. They have also toured to the United States, (with performances at Lincoln Center in New York) and to Japan, China, Korea, and Australia. Along with Philippe Herreweghe, who continues to serve as principal conductor and artistic director, the Orchestre des Champs-Elysées has collaborated numerous guest conductors, including Daniel Harding, Christian Zacharias, Louis Langrée, Christophe Coin, and René Jacobs. The Orchestra’s frequently acclaimed recordings encompass the religious works of Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, and Brahms as well as symphonies by Schumann, Bruckner, and Mahler. Through its open rehearsals, conversations with artists, and workshops for young people and students, the ensemble has been exploring innovative modes to champion music and encourage access for new audience segments. The Orchestre des Champs-Elysées is a partner with TAP (Théâtre & Auditorium de Poitiers) and receives generous support from the French Cultural Ministry and the government of Poitou-Charentes.
LUCERNE FESTIVAL (IMF) on September 6, 1995 performing the Figaro Overture and arias by Mozart as well as Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony. Previous appearance on August 22, 2006 in an all-Mozart program including the Requiem. Both concerts were conducted by Philippe Herreweghe.