The 15-member ensemble, which borrows its name from the renowned string orchestra of the court of French Kings, hails from Canada.  With a focus mainly on music of the Baroque and Classical periods of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the group’s interest in historical authenticity also includes using bows recreated from the time period of the music, which gives a certain flair to their performances.  Since beginning to play together in 1984, Les Violons du Roy has performed both nationally and internationally.  Of the 15 CDs they have recorded, two have won Juno awards for album of the year.

The performance by Les Violons du Roy is the fourth of six Stephenson Memorial Concerts presented this year as part of the Berea College Convocations program. The Stephenson Concert Series was established by the family of the late John B. Stephenson, former president of Berea College, and his sister Nancy Anne Stephenson, to bring outstanding musical performances to central Kentucky audiences free of charge.   All other Berea Convocation programs also are free and open to the public.  For a complete listing, visit www.berea.edu/convocations