Bernard Labadie appointed Music Director of Les Violons du Roy to ensure the ensemble's artistic continuity
Quebec City, October 28, 2025 – Les Violons du Roy and La Chapelle de Québec announce that Bernard Labadie will assume the music directorship of the orchestra starting in the 2026-2027 season, thereby ensuring the ensemble's artistic continuity while guiding the organization in recruiting his eventual successor.
This decision comes at an important transitional period for the orchestra, as the tenure of Jonathan Cohen, who has led the ensemble since the 2018-2019 season, concluded at the end of June 2025.
An iconic figure of Les Violons du Roy, which he founded in 1984, Bernard Labadie shaped the orchestra's artistic identity for three decades as music director, a role he held until 2014. Since founding La Chapelle de Québec in 1985, he has continued to serve as its music director, thus maintaining a continuous connection with the organization. This unique proximity to both ensembles, combined with his internationally recognized expertise, make him a natural guide to accompany Les Violons du Roy in this new stage of their evolution.
"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 in the group's history. Over the coming years, I will have the privilege of sharing with our audience the common passion that has driven us for more than forty years, and which my predecessor Jonathan Cohen has successfully preserved intact. When the time comes, I will collaborate with the entire team in selecting my successor. From the perspective of an institution builder that I have always been, 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."
- Bernard Labadie, Music Director of Les Violons du Roy and La Chapelle de Québec
Beyond his role as music director, Bernard Labadie will play an advisory role in the selection process for his eventual successor, a process already underway that will continue over the coming years. His long-term vision and in-depth knowledge of Les Violons du Roy's artistic DNA will ensure a harmonious and thoughtful transition when the time comes.
"Bernard Labadie's international reputation speaks for itself. 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. It therefore seemed natural and essential to us that he play a key role in this new phase of our development."
– Mario Welsh, Board Chair of Les Violons du Roy
A world-renowned conductor, Bernard Labadie is recognized for his expertise in baroque and classical repertoires. He regularly conducts the most prestigious orchestras in North America and Europe, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Chicago and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras, and the Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg, as well as period instrument ensembles such as 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, regularly performing with this ensemble at the renowned Carnegie Hall.
A great ambassador of Quebec City's musical life, his hometown, Bernard Labadie has been appointed Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the National Order of Quebec, and Companion of Arts and Letters of Quebec.