William Christie and Les Arts Florissants present the virtual premiere of the Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s Symphony No. 87, the last of his six so-called Paris symphonies. One of the world’s most respected music ensembles, Les Arts Florissants was founded by William Christie in 1979 and has been hailed for its revitalization and performance of Baroque music, in particular French repertoire.

The concert was recorded on October 27 at the Philharmonie de Paris and the 30-minute film includes a short introduction by William Christie and first violinist Hiro Kurosaki. It will be available for streaming for three months on Lincoln Center at Home, Lincoln Center’s Facebook Page, and on Les Arts Florissants’ website and social media platforms.

Over three seasons starting in 2019, Christie and Les Arts Florissants intended to explore these inventive symphonies—composed when Haydn was at the height of his powers—along with concerti performed by some of today’s young virtuoso instrumental and vocal soloists. When the pandemic changed their planned October 2020 performances in Paris and in New York at Lincoln Center, the ensemble made a video recording of Symphony No. 87, which would have been performed as part of their Lincoln Center concert.

The performance was recorded without an audience under compliance of public health guidelines established by the French authorities.

Trailer