Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Christmas Carols: Eglise Saint Louis en l'île

French soprano Cécile Besnard has enjoyed a varied career since graduating with honours from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. A student of Renata Scotto and Ileana Cotrubas, her lyric talents have seen her perform in opera and concerts around the world, with her signature role — Debussy's Mélisande — taking her to London's Royal Opera House Covent Garden, among other celebrated venues. Besnard gives concerts and recitals regularly in Paris' most iconic churches and venues with the city's 'Les Violons de France' ensemble.

Under the direction of celebrated violinist and conductor Frédéric Moreau, Les violons de France play a specially‐adapted repertoire that brings virtuosity to the fore. A frequent guest artist around the world, Moreau leads the ensemble on his 1749 Guadagnini instrument, paying homage, in particular, to the art of the great Niccoló Paganini. Playing regularly in some of Paris' most precious architectural gems, such as the Sainte‐Chapelle, and more broadly across France, Les violons de France is also active in fostering the next generation of musical talent, producing themed pedagogical concerts that introduce children to the wonders of classical music.