William Christie, a tireless promoter of baroque

On the occasion of his return to the Opéra Comique to conduct “Titon et l'Auro”, a documentary looks back on his remarkable baroque odyssey.

For over 40 years, with his ensemble Les Arts Florissants, the Francophile conductor born in the United States has been the most fervent advocate of the French baroque music. January 2021 marks his return to the Opéra Comique, where his prodigious career spans more than thirty years. The adventure began in 1987 with the legendary “Atys” by Lully.

This documentary follows William Christie in the process of bringing to life a rarely performed 1753 opera-ballet that recounts the thwarted loves of the shepherd Tithonus and the goddess Aurora. A rediscovery for the public that was also the opportunity for William Christie to fulfil his dream of working with Basil Twist, the American puppeteer and director, who concocts wonders of visual inventiveness and humour.

The film was conceived by Lucy Allwood and Frédéric Savoir, and FRA prod is looking for partners for a co-production or a pre-purchase. The documentary will be available in two formats, 52 and 90 minutes, in September 2021.

Due to the closure of theatres throughout France, 'Titon et l'Aurore' could not be performed in front of a live public but the audiovisual recording, made behind closed-doors, allowed the performance to be broadcast live on medici.tv on Tuesday January 19th and it remains accessible here for three months.

FRA prod is also very proud that its collaboration with the Opéra Comique and Naxos has been recognized by the ICMA, which awarded its 2021 Video Performance prize to the DVD of 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, and we warmly thank the entire jury.