Tonal beauty and refined phrasing inevitably prevail in Philippe Herreweghe’s performances. In a repertory that spans from the late 1500s to the early 20th century, the Belgian conductor and choir director favours subtle dynamic contrasts, telling points of articulation and compelling shifts in vocal or instrumental colour to heighten moments of dramatic tension. Born in Ghent in 1947, he was inspired while studying medicine and music in his home city by the rise of groups devoted to the historically informed performance of early music. He increased their number in 1970 as the founder of Collegium Vocale Gent, initially established as a vocal ensemble and later enhanced with the addition of a band of period instruments. Herreweghe’s blend of sound scholarship and graceful musicianship set firm foundations for his other ensembles, the Paris-based La Chapelle Royale and the period-instrument Orchestre des Champs-Elysées among them, and for his work as guest conductor with conventional orchestras. His large discography includes a standout recording of J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor as well as several of his passions and motets, and fascinating period-instrument forays into the symphonies of Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler.