French baroque orchestra celebrates 40 years

Les Passions, a French baroque orchestra, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The orchestra performed a special anniversary concert last week as part of the Passions Baroques festival, during its residency in Montauban.

Founder and conductor’s legacy

The orchestra’s founder and musical director, Jean-Marc Andrieu, who is also a recorder player, has conducted the ensemble in nearly 1000 concerts, with the 1000th concert scheduled for 2027. He has also recorded 15 discs with his musicians, mainly for the label Ligia, with a particular focus on southern French baroque music.

Transition of leadership

December 31, 2026, will mark a leadership transition. The Les Passions association, of which Jean-Marc Andrieu is president, will dissolve. The management and responsibility of the orchestra will be transferred to the Montauban-based Anima Nostra association, led by Christopher Gibert, founder of the ensemble Dulci Jubilo.

Background of new leader

Christopher Gibert, who founded Dulci Jubilo in 2013, joined the teaching staff at the Montauban Conservatory in 2018. Jean-Marc Andrieu directed the Montauban Conservatory from 1991 to 2021.

Collaboration and shared projects

The two ensembles, Les Passions and Dulci Jubilo, came together in 2021 for joint programs, occasioned by the 400th anniversary of the siege of Montauban, with the two conductors sharing the baton willingly. Their magnificent program 1643, performed last year, is expected to be recorded soon. However, each ensemble continues on its own path.

Diverse musical repertoire

The Dulci Jubilo choir explores a wide repertoire ranging from ancient music to contemporary compositions, with forays into musical theater and jazz. Christopher Gibert is also a composer. Les Passions, on the other hand, focus on baroque repertoire, with research emphasizing southern French composers such as Jean Gilles, Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondoville, Antoine-Esprit Blanchard, or Charles Levens. They have already planned for next year the famous Te Deum by Marc-Antoine Charpentier with motets by André Campra.

Continuation of activities

The Les Passions orchestra will continue its activities, still under the direction of Jean-Marc Andrieu, who will focus on musical direction. The employment of musicians is preserved.