Opera Lafayette is an American period-instrument ensemble that specializes in the French repertoire, rediscovers masterpieces, and creates a recorded legacy of its work. Founded in 1995 in Washington, DC, by Conductor and Artistic Director Ryan Brown, Opera Lafayette has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following for its performances and recordings with international singers renowned for their interpretations of baroque and classical operas. The Baltimore Sun has noted, “The early music scene in our region – the early music scene, period – is particularly fortunate to have Opera Lafayette as a major player.” And The New York Times has said, “Opera Lafayette … has built a sterling reputation through specializing in rarities by Gluck, Grétry and the like.” Opera Lafayette's season includes performances at major venues in Washington, DC, and New York City. At the invitation of Château de Versailles Spectacles, Opera Lafayette made its international debut at the Opéra Royal in February 2012 with the modern world premiere of Monsigny’s Le Roi et le fermier. France’s Opéra Magazine said, “This production should be noted and remembered in the annals of Versailles, for the intelligence of its staging, the beauty of its sets, and its high musical quality.”

Opera Lafayette’s discography on the Naxos label has expanded to eight releases, including Gluck’s Orphée et Euridice (2005), Sacchini’s Œdipe à Colone (2006), Rameau Operatic Arias (2007), Lully’s Armide (2008), Rebel and Francœur’s Zélindor, roi des Sylphes (2009), Monsigny’s Le Déserteur (2010), Philidor’s Sancho Pança (2011) and Grétry’s Le Magnifique (2012). Monsigny's Le Roi et le fermier and David's Lalla Roukh are to follow in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
 

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