André Courville’s passion for music has taken him from Cecilia, Louisiana to the most celebrated stages in the world—Carnegie Hall in New York City, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, Guangzhou Opera House in China, the Santa Fe Opera—and this May, the renowned bass-baritone will be channeling that wealth of experience into an ambitious music festival right here in St. Martin Parish.

Baroque on the Bayou, featuring the Atchafalaya Orchestra and spotlighting soloists from St. Martin Parish, will take place from May 23rd to May 25th at three different venues in the parish. Audiences can look forward to hearing the world premiere of a piece for accordion and orchestra in Arnaudville, a Vivaldi cello concerto at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia, and selections from French Baroque opera—with harpsichord—in the Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville.

Music has always been the heartbeat of St. Martin Parish, and Courville’s Baroque on the Bayou Festival is sure to further burnish its reputation as one of the country’s top destinations for live music. I had the chance to sit down with him last week to learn more about the festival.

How did the idea for the festival come about?

I’ve been brainstorming this idea alongside my annual Christmas concert, hoping to fuse the many genres and styles that represent our region. My vision is to showcase the cultural riches we have here in St. Martin Parish while offering an intimate musical experience. Baroque music, when it was first performed, often took place in small halls or salons, and that closeness allows the audience to feel truly connected to the musicians and the music. What I’m most excited about is seeing people come together—friends, neighbors, and visitors—sharing in something that honors our history but also celebrates who we are right now.

Why was it important to put this on in St. Martin Parish?

Our community has so much to offer culturally, and I want to celebrate and expand upon those foundations right here at home. It’s wonderful that places like Lafayette have plenty of options, but St. Martin Parish has its own unique character and history. By placing the festival in venues such as the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the Duchamp Opera House, we’re embracing spaces that are meaningful to the area. That local connection helps keep the music accessible and authentic, and I believe it fosters a deeper sense of pride in our community.

The festival is bringing together some world-class talent—what’s the story behind the Atchafalaya Orchestra?

The Atchafalaya Orchestra, a fusion-genre ensemble, is about more than just playing classical pieces—it’s about bridging different musical worlds and bringing fresh perspectives to the stage. My hope is that this orchestra becomes known for its collaborative spirit and openness to new ideas. We want to honor the Baroque tradition but also make space for modern works, local composers, and the unique blend of Cajun, Creole, and other influences that define our region’s sound. Ultimately, I see the Atchafalaya Orchestra as a reflection of the diverse musical heritage found along the bayou in our melting pot state.

Is Baroque music a particular interest of yours as a performer?

As an organist and pianist, some of the first music I ever played was by Bach, arguably one of the most significant composers of the Baroque period. In my opera career, I have also sung quite a bit of Baroque music, most recently, Vivaldi’s L’Olimpiade with the Moscow Philharmonic at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow. I’ve always been fascinated by Baroque music—there’s an elegance and emotional depth to it that really resonates with me. Historically, these works were performed in more intimate settings, which is exactly what I aim to recreate here. But I also love how flexible Baroque music can be; it pairs beautifully with other styles and allows us to weave in local elements like Cajun tunes or modern compositions. This programming is meant to honor the past while inviting the audience into something new and exciting, and I think it perfectly represents the spirit of our festival.

I’m really looking forward to hearing the new music you’ll be premiering at the Friday night concert.

We’re premiering “Five Cajun Songs” by Louisiana native and New Orleans–based composer Jessé Bateman, specifically written for orchestra and accordion. Jessé is deeply committed to preserving our French heritage and Cajun/Creole folk music, and he’s on a mission to bring Louisiana music to the orchestral stage by reimagining it through a 21st-century, Neo-Romantic lens. Having Cajun accordionist and singer Forest Huval as the featured soloist is a perfect fit. Forest, a Cecilia native, has performed at home and abroad, always working to keep Cajun music authentic while also expanding its creative boundaries. This collaboration ties together our Baroque influences with the rich local heritage, bridging audiences who might typically only attend Cajun music shows with those who love classical. If a Cajun music lover comes for the accordion and leaves with an appreciation for Baroque—or if a Baroque enthusiast discovers the beauty of Cajun tradition—it’s a win for everyone. This piece encapsulates the festival’s broader mission: honoring tradition, blending styles, and opening the door for new audiences to fall in love with both Baroque and Louisiana music.

BAROQUE ON THE BAYOU 2025
Festival Series
Featuring the Atchafalaya Orchestra conducted by André Courville
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FESTIVAL PACKAGE (3 concert discount)

Friday, May 23, 2025—7pm
NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, Arnaudville, LA
with Forest Huval
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO CONCERT I

Concerto for 2 Violins in A minor, RV 522—VIVALDI

Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV 1043—BACH

Five Cajun Songs (world premiere)—BATEMAN

Saturday, May 24, 2025—7pm
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cecilia, LA
with Laura Huval
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO CONCERT II

"Spring" from the Four Seasons, RV 269—VIVALDI

Concerto for 2 Cellos in G minor, RV 531—VIVALDI

Highlights from Sing the Rosary & other original sacred songs—HUVAL

Sunday, May 25, 2025—3pm
Duchamp Opera House, St. Martinville, LA
with André Courville
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO CONCERT III

Orchestral Selections from French Baroque Operas, including:

Amadis, LWV 63 and Cadmus et Hermione, LWV 49—LULLY

French opera arias and songs

Baroque on the Bayou

A Good Crab Stew