From Beaune to Salzburg, via Colmar, Saintes, Milan and Hindsgavl in Danemark, Total Baroque Magazine takes you on a journey through the summer’s most exciting festivals… occasionally sneaking a look behind the scenes. 
By 
Les Talens Lyriques in Beaune
In the Cour des Hospices of Beaune—a UNESCO World Heritage site—Christophe Rousset concluded his complete cycle of Lully operas with Proserpine. The production brought together top-tier singers from both France and the UK.
With Véronique Gens, Marie Lys, Ambroisine Bré, Jean‑Sébastien Bou, Nick Pritchard, Laurence Kilsby, Olivier Gourdy, Olivier Cesarini, Apolline Raï‑Westphal, David Witczak, the Chœur de chambre de Namur, Les Talens Lyriques and Christophe Rousset.
Emmanuelle Haïm in Salzburg
Emmanuelle Haïm is currently preparing a new production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Salzburg Festival—rehearsals are unfolding in good spirits here, during a convivial evening for the artists! The production, staged by Dmitri Tcherniakov, features an impressive line-up of international singers.
With Christophe Dumaux, Olga Kulchynska, Lucile Richardot, Federico Fiorio, Yurii Mynenko, Andrey Zhilikovsky, Jake Ingbar, Robert Raso, Salzburg Bach Choir, Le Concert d’Astrée and Emmanuelle Haïm.
Il Pomo d’Oro and Giovanni Sollima in Milan
Opening in the Basilica of Santa Maria della Passione, the Milano Arte Musica festival launched its season with a bold concert by Il Pomo d’Oro, conducted by Giovanni Sollima. The programme, Al Bunduqiyya – The Lost Concerto, is a contemporary creation that pays tribute to Venice as a cultural crossroads. It blends classical music and folk traditions in a unique and compelling format.
With Giovanni Sollima, Federico Guglielmo and Il Pomo d’Oro.
Julien Chauvin and the Concert de la Loge in Colmar
Though mainly focused on symphonic music, the Colmar International Festival, led by Alain Altinoglu, dedicated one evening to baroque repertoire with a performance by Julien Chauvin and Le Concert de la Loge. Their Vivaldi programme—including the famous Nisi Dominus and the dramatic cantata Cessate, omai cessate—earned a standing ovation.
With Tim Mead, Le Concert de la Loge and Julien Chauvin.
Arcangelo at the Hindsgavl Festival (Danemark)
Before heading to the Ryedale Festival (UK) and the Musicales du Luberon (France), the ensemble Arcangelo, under the direction of Jonathan Cohen, performed at Denmark’s Hindsgavl Festival with a programme dedicated to Handel’s operas and oratorios.
With Soraya Mafi, Iestyn Davies, the Arcangelo ensemble and Jonathan Cohen.
Les Arts Florissants in Montpellier
The summer tour of Les Arts Florissants stopped at the Festival de Radio France Occitanie Montpellier. William Christie conducted Handel’s Il Trionfo del tempo e del disinganno, one of the major works in the baroque repertoire.
With Julie Thyana Roset, Rebecca Leggett, Jasmin White, James Way, Les Arts Florissants and William Christie.
Vincent Dumestre and Ophélie Gaillard in Saintes
The 2025 Festival de Saintes opened with two major concerts: Pergolesi’s Neapolitan Stabat Mater and a programme evoking the world of J. S. Bach. Blending folk traditions with early music, Vincent Dumestre and Le Poème Harmonique recreated the devotional spirit of Neapolitan processions for the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, Ophélie Gaillard and her ensemble Pulcinella explored the repertoire of C. P. E. Bach, W. F. Bach and G. P. Telemann—composers all tied to the legacy of Leipzig’s famous cantor.
With Le Poème Harmonique, Vincent Dumestre, the Pulcinella ensemble and Ophélie Gaillard.
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