The Québec City–based ensemble Les Violons du Roy has announced that its founder, Bernard Labadie, will return as Music Director beginning with the 2026–27 season. The appointment follows the conclusion of Jonathan Cohen’s tenure at the end of June 2025 and aims to ensure the ensemble’s artistic continuity while guiding the recruitment of its next leader.
Labadie, who founded Les Violons du Roy in 1984 and La Chapelle de Québec a year later, shaped the orchestra’s identity for three decades before stepping down in 2014. Since then, he has remained closely connected to the ensemble through his ongoing role as Music Director of La Chapelle de Québec. His return marks both a symbolic homecoming and a step designed to secure a smooth artistic transition.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I accept to reconnect with the wonderful musicians of Les Violons du Roy to begin writing a new chapter with them,” said Labadie. “Continuity in excellence, surpassing expectations, respect, and commitment to our community are the cardinal values that will guide my actions and those of my collaborators.”
Alongside his duties as Music Director, Labadie will advise the board in selecting his future successor—a process already under way. Mario Welsh, Chair of the Board, praised the conductor’s enduring influence:
“For 40 years, he has remained present in the artistic life of Les Violons du Roy. His unwavering commitment to the ensemble makes him an essential figure.”
About Les Violons du Roy
Founded in 1984, Les Violons du Roy takes its name from the celebrated court orchestra of the French kings and performs chamber-orchestra repertoire on modern instruments with period bows. The ensemble’s historically informed approach extends from Baroque and Classical music to later styles, performed in its home at Québec City’s Palais Montcalm and on international tours.
Over four decades, the orchestra has collaborated with artists including Magdalena Kožená, Alexandre Tharaud, Philippe Jaroussky, Isabelle Faust, Marc-André Hamelin, and Anthony Roth Costanzo, and has appeared at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Its forty recordings across labels including ATMA Classique, Dorian, and Decca Gold have earned several Juno and Félix Awards.
About Bernard Labadie
Recognized internationally for his mastery of Baroque and Classical repertoire, Bernard Labadie has appeared with leading orchestras such as the Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco Symphonies, the Mozarteum Orchester Salzburg, and period-instrument groups including the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and The English Concert. From 2017 to 2025 he served as Principal Conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York, performing regularly at Carnegie Hall. A native of Québec City, he is an Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the National Order of Québec, and Companion of Arts and Letters of Québec.
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