Atma Classique is proud to reissue Simphonies des noëls, the first recording with Les Violons du Roy and Bernard Labadie, released originally in 1994 on the Dorian label. Even 20 years later, this album retains its original beauty and appeal.

Plain-chant has figured prominently in the church’s Christmas celebrations since the Middle Ages. Eventually polyphonic motets became popular, and by the Baroque era, cantatas, concertos or variations on songs well known to the faithful were added to the liturgy. Simphonies des noëls features instrumental works celebrating the nativity by composers from France (de Lalande, Charpentier), Italy (Sammartini, Torelli, Corelli), and Germany (Pez).

Les Violons du Roy is at the heart of the music scene in Quebec City and is a regular feature on the Montreal cultural calendar. The orchestra is known throughout North America thanks to the many broadcasts of its concerts and recordings on CBC, Radio-Canada, and the American network NPR. The ensemble makes regular visits to New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles and has performed dozens of times in Europe at such legendary venues as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Berliner Philharmonie.

Les Violons du Roy’s discography boasts 31 titles, including three Juno Award–winning albums and one Félix Award winner. Eleven recordings have appeared on the Atma label.