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François-Xavier Roth

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description François-Xavier Roth Overview

French conductor who founded the period-instrument ensemble Les Siècles and has served as chief conductor of the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne since 2015, bridging historically informed and modern practice.

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What is Les Siècles, the ensemble founded by François-Xavier Roth?

Les Siècles is an orchestra founded by François-Xavier Roth in 2003. Its musicians use historically appropriate instruments for different periods, allowing the ensemble to move from Baroque and Classical repertoire to 20th-century works. [Source](https://www.lessiecles.com/les-siecles/)

What makes François-Xavier Roth's conducting approach distinctive?

Roth combines historically informed performance practice with modern orchestral repertoire. With Les Siècles, the instrument choice changes according to the period and original sound world of the composition. [Source](https://www.lessiecles.com/les-siecles/)

Which Cologne orchestra did François-Xavier Roth lead?

Roth became chief conductor of the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne and General Music Director of Cologne in 2015. His Cologne appointment also included artistic responsibility connected with the city's opera. [Source](https://www.berlinerfestspiele.de/en/artist/e510001c-953c-4a52-99b8-cf1061a464d9/francois-xavier-roth)

What repertoire has François-Xavier Roth recorded with Les Siècles?

Les Siècles has recorded works by composers including Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Gounod, Massenet, and Debussy. The ensemble's recordings emphasize the relationship between a composition and the instruments used around its premiere. [Source](https://www.lessiecles.com/discographie/)