Les Siècles / François-Xavier Roth

Since Louis XIV set up the »Académie Royale de danse« in 1661, Paris has been something approaching the world capital of dance. To this day, the ballet corps of the Paris Opera is one of the most prestigious international ensembles in its field. François-Xavier Roth and his period instrument ensemble Les Siècles undertake a brief survey of the vibrant history of (Parisian) dance, bringing music from four centuries to life in the process. The programme ranges from Baroque masters Lully and Rameau through the Romantic era, represented by Léo Delibes and Jules Massenet, to Stravinsky’s infamous ballet »Le sacre du printemps«, the first performance of which triggered a cultural scandal. All the works played at tonight’s concert celebrated their premieres in Paris.