Bernard Labadie hosts This Is My Music
Bernard Labadie is the founder of Les Violins du Roy and of La Chapelle de Quebec; two ensembles whose fame has travelled far beyond their home in Quebec City. Labadie chose the name Les Violins du Roy after the renowned string orchestra of the court of the French kings. The group plays a wide variety of repertoire, but they excel in 17th and 18th century music, even though the musicians perform on modern instruments.
Born in Quebec, Labadie studied recorder and singing before he conducted his first concerts at the age of 19. In 1984, he founded Les Violins du Roy and a year later, La Chapelle du Quebec. Both ensembles have toured North America, performing at Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. They performed Mozart's Requiem in New York just days after the tragedy of 9/11. Their European stops have included the Barbican in London and the Salzburg Festival.
In 1994, Labadie was named Music Director of l'Opera de Quebec; a post he held until 2003. He is also known for guest-conducting around the world. In 2009, he debuted at The Met in New York, conducting Mozart's Magic Flute.
On this episode of This Is My Music, Labadie will share his favourite music and the stories behind his selections.