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A Baroque Odyssey

40 Years of Les Arts Florissants

William Christie and Les Arts Florissants

Born out of a belief that Baroque music should make its audiences want to laugh, cry and dance, Les Arts Florissants celebrate their 40th birthday, powered by an unquenchably Gallic joie-de-vivre.

One of the world’s great early music ensembles, Les Arts Florissants celebrates its 40th anniversary in truly resplendent style with a lavish gala under founder-director William Christie and Associate Musical Director Paul Agnew. And if it’s hard to believe that they’ve been dazzling audiences for four decades now – well, Christie would be the first to agree that age is a state of mind.

Six singers who share Les Arts Florissants’ energy and imagination join them tonight for a sumptuous programme: music by Handel, Purcell, Charpentier, Rameau and Lully, played like the ink is still wet on the page. Because that’s what Les Arts Florissants do.

This performance will end at approximately 9.45pm, including a 20 minute interval.

Download the programme

Download a copy of the programme here

Discover

architecture detail of the barbican hall

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photo of handel

Listen: Barbican Essentials - Handel

Our selection of the best of Handel's music.

photo of roderick williams singing

Barbican Sessions: Roderick Williams and Andrew West

 

Filmed in an empty Milton Court Concert Hall, baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Andrew West perform a beautiful rendition of 'An die Nachtigall' by Johanness Brahms.

Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.