Concert – William Christie & “Les Arts Florissants”

Chantilly’s “Coup de Cœur” for Fall 2026

Chantilly’s “Coups de Cœur” series embodies a unique fusion of musical excellence and exceptional heritage. Nestled in the heart of the Domaine de Chantilly, owned by the Institut de France, this season offers audiences unparalleled musical moments in venues steeped in history: from the Grandes Écuries to the Château’s Painting Gallery. Since its inception in 2021 under the leadership of Prince Amyn Aga Khan and pianist Iddo Bar-Shaï, this season has established itself as a must-attend event for music lovers. From its very first edition—marked by an exceptional celebration of Martha Argerich’s 80th birthday—Les Coups de Cœur à Chantilly has affirmed its mission: to offer intimate and unforgettable musical experiences accessible to all.

One weekend, 3 concerts

In October 2026, the “Coups de Cœur festival in Chantilly” will welcome William Christie for the first time! A true legend, he will perform with “Les Arts Florissants” to celebrate the “Journées des Plantes”, for which he is the patron of this fall edition : a natural fit for this garden enthusiast. He will explore a range of themes, from blossoming to full bloom. Love; patience, too from the sensual enchantment of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen—featuring the debut of young tenor Bastien Rimondi in the intimate setting of the Château—to a trio concert with two other great interpreters of Baroque music whom he helped bring to prominence: Léa Desandre and Thomas Dunford. A weekend that explores emotions ranging from Lully to Ravel, between the chiaroscuro of the theater and the light of intimate moments.

The Fairy Queen

What better ensemble than “Les Arts Florissants” to bring Purcell’s The Fairy Queen to life, echoing the “Journées des Plantes” in Chantilly. Under the direction of William Christie, this work, undoubtedly one of the pinnacles of English musical theater, is the kind of event one regrets missing for a long time. Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this semi-opera opens up a world of wonder and desire where arias and choruses move the audience with their direct beauty, tenderness, and nocturnal radiance. Masks, dances, and sung scenes come together to form a free-flowing, sensual, and deeply human tapestry, brought to life by impeccable “Christie-style” voices that will linger long in the ear and the memory.

Young Talent at the Château

A young tenor worth discovering, Bastien Rimondi is already carving out a solid career path, from the Jardin des Voix to the major European stages. In this recital at the Art Galleries in Chantilly, he weaves together French Baroque arias and melodies by Poulenc, Debussy, Hahn, and Massenet, balancing clarity of text with a sense of drama. Accompanied by William Christie on the harpsichord, and joined by strings and a theorbo, he will bring to life an intimate, direct repertoire, free of unnecessary embellishments.

Check out this Bastien Raimondi’s portrait :

The Recipes of Love

This concert brings together three powerful performers: William Christie, Léa Desandre, and Thomas Dunford. The program, selected by the singer, explores the many facets of love without detours: Baroque and French mélodie, theater and opéra-comique, joyful outbursts, gentle irony, and unabashed thrills. From Lully to Ravel, from Offenbach to Hahn, the music weaves through different moods as one might leaf through a notebook of emotions. In the vibrant acoustics of Chantilly, love regains its vibrancy—and the mysterious barriers come crashing down with elegance.

Excerpt from a performance of Barbara’s French song “Dis, quand reviendras-tu ?”: