Mercury Welcomes Christophe Rousset, Historical Harpsichordist and Guest Conductor Tonight

Mercury welcomes to the podium Christophe Rousset, renowned harpsichordist, founder of Les Talens Lyriques and noted Baroque music researcher. Season patrons and guests alike relish the opportunity to witness M. Rousset apply his skills as a scholar, researcher and interpreter of the Baroque mind to tonight's Nov. 17 Bach & Sons program. His many talents combine to make an unforgettable performance.

M. Rousset began his journey into Baroque music in his childhood home of Aix-en-Provence, France. A student of history from an early age, he combined his young interests with his musical talent expressed through the harpsichord. He studied at the Schola Cantorum in Paris and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. International attention rewarded his talent, and in 1991 Rousset pursued his interest in conducting by forming the ensemble Les Talens Lyriques, now an internationally acclaimed and widely-traveled vocal and instrumental group with special emphasis on the music of the 18th century.

Passionate in all that he does, M. Rousset has discovered original scores, recorded numerous works with Les Talens Lyriques, taught Baroque music classes and served as musical director for a film. Individually he has recorded extensively, including the complete harpsichord works of Francois Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Jean-Henri d’Anglebert and Antoine Forqueray. Among his other recordings he numbers an ample repertoire of J.S. Bach. Not to be overlooked are his efforts as a teacher and mentor.

M. Rousset places great emphasis on the history and heritage of music. He has worked in various genres of the Baroque period, including motets, madrigals, cantatas and French Court arias, exploring the style specific to each. His musical endeavors are a voyage of discovery, highlighted by excitement and a freshness that makes the Baroque come to life once again for music aficionados and musicologists the world around.

Fulfilling a busy itinerary and traveling extensively for international performances, M. Rousset now brings his talents and vision to the stage with Mercury. This both reinforces Mercury’s collaboration with other groups in Baroque music and opera, and extends that collaboration to new vistas. Mercury’s perceptive and knowledgeable regular audience and newcomers will alike be inspired by the insight, scholarship and vigor of these new horizons.

Please visit www.lestalenslyriques.com for the group’s itinerary, discography and more.

M. Rousset was the recipient of the First Prize and the Public Prize in the Seventh Bruges Harpsichord Competition 1983; and is a Commandeur des Arts et Lettres, and “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite“.

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