Les Violons du Roy has announced that British conductor Jonathan Cohen will become its next music director. Cohen takes over from Bernard Labadie, who founded Les Violons du Roy in 1984 and has led them ever since.
‘The orchestra is a remarkable ensemble that I feel close to musically and that I admire for its consistent quality of the highest order,’ commented Cohen. ‘I’d like to express my gratitude and admiration for Bernard Labadie’s outstanding work with the orchestra.’
The Quebec City-based group specialise in baroque and classical music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Cohen – an accomplished harpsichordist and cellist as well as a conductor – has been praised for his work with baroque pieces, making him an obvious choice for the ensemble.
Cohen will take up his new role for the 2018-19 season, with his contract running until 2021. Before then he will perform with the group as music director designate at Palais Montcalm in Quebec City on 23 February, 2017.
Added Labadie: ‘Jonathan is a young musician of great stature with a bright future ahead of him, and there’s no doubt in my mind he will guide Les Violons du Roy to continued growth and development in the coming years. As founding conductor, I am proud to see him take over the helm of the orchestra, and I assure him of my complete cooperation and support.’
Cohen is currently artistic director of Arcangelo ensemble, associate conductor of Les Arts Florissants, artistic director of the Tetbury Music Festival, and artistic partner of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota.
