Andre Cardinal Destouches

André Cardinal Destouches, a French composer born into the family of a wealthy merchant, led a life as adventurous as his music was influential. Baptised on April 6, 1672, in Paris, Destouches is best known for his opéra-ballet "Les élémens" and the opera "Callirhoé," a tragédie en musique that showcases his mastery of the genre. Before settling into his musical career, Destouches embarked on a journey to Siam, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope along the way, adding a layer of intrigue to his life story. His compositions, marked by their elegance and innovation, continue to captivate audiences, with his works still being listened to and celebrated today. Destouches passed away on February 7, 1749, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that bridges the worlds of music and adventure.