William Christie and Paul Agnew join forces to direct this programme devoted to Claudio Monteverdi, inviting audiences to explore the origins of opera and discover the striking modernity of his music.

A towering figure in the birth of modern music, Claudio Monteverdi stands at the crossroads of the madrigal tradition and the emergence of opera. This programme celebrates his revolutionary creativity through a selection of his finest madrigals alongside one of his most groundbreaking works: Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (The Combat of Tancredi and Clorinda). Inspired by Torquato Tasso’s Jerusalem Delivered, this dramatic scena recounts the tragic duel between the knight Tancredi and his beloved enemy, Clorinda, whom he fails to recognise. Through its compelling narrative, bold musical invention and extraordinary expressive power, Monteverdi forged an entirely new form of musical theatre, heralding the birth of opera and transforming the course of Western music.

Both internationally acclaimed interpreters of this repertoire, William Christie and Paul Agnew have each made landmark recordings of Monteverdi’s works. For the first time, the two Co-Musical Directors of Les Arts Florissants share the podium in a single concert devoted to a composer who has shaped both of their artistic journeys. They are joined by an outstanding ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, most of them drawn from Les Arts Florissants’ renowned training academies, which nurture some of the most gifted young performers of their generation.

An exceptional occasion in every sense: a concert of rare symbolic significance, bringing together remarkable artists in celebration of one of music’s greatest pioneers.

Patron of Les Arts Florissants for this production.

Coming soon

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

REDUCED GROUP RATE : available for groups of more than 10 people, excluding corporate offers.

CORPORATE GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

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