Orchestre des Champs-Élysées

The Orchestre des Champs-Élysées is the first French orchestra of international renown to play on original instruments. Since its founding in June 1991 by Philippe Herreweghe, the ensemble has dedicated itself primarily to the development of the symphonic repertoire of the Classical, Romantic and Classical Modern periods, which is to be subjected to a fundamental reappraisal on the basis of up-to-date musicological knowledge and with the means of a performance practice that strives to be true to historical style. The orchestra’s repertoire has expanded considerably over the years and embraces more than 150 years of music today.

This is a concern that is also reflected in the orchestra’s participation in musicological research and educational projects. Already the programme of the first concert is significant, the creation by Joseph Haydn presented first in Poitiers, then later at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris: The Creation by Joseph Haydn. With this sensational debut, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées laid the foundation for an international career that has since taken the young, extremely enthusiastic instrumental ensemble not only to almost all of the continent’s renowned concert halls (Brussels, Vienna, Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Leipzig, Rome or Lucerne), but also to many musical hotspots around the world – such as New York’s Lincoln Center or tours of Japan, Korea, China and Australia.

Under the direction of Philippe Herreweghe, the orchestra also continues its artistic collaboration with the Collegium Vocale Gent. Together with Collegium Vocale Gent, the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées under the baton of Philippe Herreweghe recorded several CD’s, highly praised by the international press.

The Orchestre des Champs-Élysées, which is associated with the TAP – Théâtre Auditorium de Poitiers and has a residence in Nouvelle Aquitaine, is subsidised by the DRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and the City of Poitiers.

For its tours abroad, the orchestra receives occasional support from the Institut Français and SPEDIDAM (Société de Perception et de Distribution des Droits des Artistes-Interprètes). It also receives support from the Fondation Orange for the project in Nouvelle Aquitaine “Chœur et Orchestre des Jeunes” and from AG2R La Mondiale and the Department of Vienne for the project “musique & mémoire”.