Press reviews
« [...] With the Palais royal, we have developed themed concerts in particular; the most recent explored virtuosity in baroque music. The search for meaning is more important than ever, as nowadays concerts are often viewed as mere gloss. The same is true of the accessibility of music, so I ask my singers to sing without music in order to remove the wall separating them from the audience. [...] »
« [...] A must-see live performance by a dynamic ensemble which perfectly represents such music and which deserves more recognition. The Palais royal is one of the most memorable ensembles of France’s musical scene and its conductor Jean- Philippe Sarcos is an expert who is sadly not as well-known as he should be. [...] »
« [...] Jean-Philippe Sarcos. The innate sense of Mozartian rhythm [...] this stunning Requiem conducted by Jean-Philippe Sarcos at the head of the orchestra of the Palais royal [...]. A master class in conducting and musical intelligence, available through Pavane records [...]. Here we witness the miracle of the co-optation method of recruitment, which guarantees homogeneity, as well as the required visionary insight which is typical of Sarcos. »
« We specialise in baroque, classical and romantic music played on period instruments [...]. The next series of concerts will [...] be in October in Paris [...]. The Palais royal is currently working on an opera project: the aim being to recreate Nicolo’s Cendrillon (Cinderella) according to the techniques (the codes and sets) of the beginning of the 19th century. »
Eric Valla, Le Dauphiné Libéré – 13 July 2010
« It is rare to leave a concert feeling such elation. The performance at the “Saoû chante Mozart” festival at Cresti was unanimously viewed as [...] a great musical moment by the audience [...]. The Gloria explodes like fireworks of gratitude. »
« What an exceptional ensemble that Jean-Philippe Sarcos conducts! [...] They are all young professionals and their pleasure and desire to work together is plain to see for the audience, especially for the spectators with front-row seats who can see their happy and complicit smile. [...] »
« Set up by Jean-Philippe Sarcos, the Palais royal –where choir and orchestra blend intimately together- has been making its difference and enthusiasm heard for nine years; particularly in its baroque repertoire. Such was the case at this Parisian concert, during which the natural emotion found in Buxtehude and Bach took priority. »
« I really enjoyed this concert, with its original programme. I had the pleasure of discovering the stunning oratorio by Telemann. The soloists were excellent and it was a joy to discover the young soprano, Hasnaa Bennani. The orchestra and the choir are good, but what is even better is the fact that they obviously take real pleasure in playing and singing. Alexandre Dratwicki’s presentations, which opened up many avenues of exploration, were another good idea… »
« With this German triptych, Jean-Philippe Sarcos has created a programme which revolves around the theme of Joy within Baroque music. The result, in both the sacred and profane music, portrays the joyful fullness, ecstatic tranquility and musically contained nature of a soul at peace. »
« Joy within Baroque music; this was the theme of a very beautiful concert I attended last Sunday in the spacious Basilique Sainte-Clotilde in Paris [...] »
« [...] What we heard in the Eglise St Roch on Thursday evening was much more than simple entertainment made up of well-known melodies sung loudly and coarsely. Rather, what we heard was the end result of a conscientious and well-considered process, with real and naturally musical artists; sincere and involved musicians who gave the best of themselves in order to attain great heights [...]. »
- John Nelson, chef d’orchestre – Mai 2007
« I have had the pleasure of attending two exceptional concerts conducted by Jean-Philipppe Sarcos, one of the Verdi Requiem [...] and the other of Vivaldi and Handel [...]. Both concerts were impressive in that musicians and singers showed an involvement (engagement) that was exceptional and they delivered the music with convincing style, with the highest musical standards and best of all, with lively and full hearted communication. Chapeau ! »
