Jean-Baptiste Lully's Atys, a tragedie en musique, became known as the 'king's opera' due to Louis XIV's fondness for it. The work stands as a testament to the Sun King's courtly refinement, as well as his moves to make France the centre of European artistic culture. The opera's themes of romantic dilemmas and ultimate tragedy, set amidst the poetic atmosphere of Ovid's classical mythology, create expressive arias and duets. William Christie conducts this acclaimed production - hailed by the New York Times as being 'as satisfying as it is bold'.