Baroque on the Bayou, featuring the Atchafalaya Orchestra, conducted, by André Courville, and spotlighting soloists from St. Martin Parish, will take place from May 23 to May 25 at three different venues in the parish. Audiences can look forward to hearing the world premiere of a piece for accordion and orchestra in Arnaudville, a Vivaldi cello concerto at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia, and selections from French Baroque opera— with harpsichord— in the Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville.
Tickets for Baroque on the Bayou may be purchased individually, or the festival package for all three concerts can be purchased at a discount. For more information please visit bayoutechemusic.
com.
At the Friday night concert, Five Cajun Songs by Louisiana native and New Orleans– based composer Jessé Bateman, specifically written for orchestra and accordion will be presented. Jessé is deeply committed to preserving our French heritage and Cajun/Creole folk music, and he’s on a mission to bring Louisiana music to the orchestral stage by reimagining it through a 21st-century, Neo-Romantic lens. Having Cajun accordionist and singer Forest Huval as the featured soloist is a perfect fit. Forest, a Cecilia native, has performed at home and abroad, always working to keep Cajun music authentic while also expanding its creative boundaries. This collaboration ties together our Baroque influences with the rich local heritage, bridging audiences who might typically only attend Cajun music shows with those who love classical. If a Cajun music lover comes for the accordion and leaves with an appreciation for Baroque—or if a Baroque enthusiast discovers the beauty of Cajun tradition—it’s a win for everyone. This piece encapsulates the festival’s broader mission: honoring tradition, blending styles, and opening the door for new audiences to fall in love with both Baroque and Louisiana music.
