In the wake of Marais’ Ariane et Bacchus, Charpentier’s Médée and Desmaret & Campra’s Iphigénie en Tauride, Lully’s Persée has been chosen to close the Baroque tetralogy devised by Hervé Niquet and the CMBV, in conjunction with the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées concert season. Continuing the research conducted for the previous episodes of this cycle, aimed at unearthing unpublished works and presenting pillars of the repertoire, this tragédie lyrique from 1682, Persée, offers a chance to discover Lully’s later work when the court moved to Versailles. After the production of Atys, the CMBV can pursue its research into contemporary interpretation and musical practices.

For Hervé Niquet it means returning to a much loved work, his lively rendering going beyond the historically informed approach. Alongside a prestigious cast which includes Mathias Vidal, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Michèle Losier and Déborah Cachet, the CMBV choir Les Chantres, led by Fabien Armengaud, will add a touch of youthful enthusiasm and honed skills.