Les Violons du Roy

The French-Canadian chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy has a distinctive sound, produced by the use of modern instruments with Baroque bows, and an unusual repertory that stretches as far forward as the 20th century. The group has played a major part in Quebec's cultural life, appearing at such events as the funeral of Quebec separatist leader René Lévesque. Les Violons du Roy were founded in 1984 by conductor Bernard Labadie, who assembled the group from recently graduated string players who had performed in productions of two Baroque operas, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas and M...