Nights through dreams tell the myths forgotten by the day.
— C. G. Jung
Le Sommeil is an international early music ensemble and artistic project founded by mezzo-soprano and cultural theorist Margarita Slepakova together with a group of outstanding soloists and ensemble leaders of the younger generation of European historically informed performance. Originally formed at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the ensemble has since expanded to bring together musicians from across Europe.
Its members lead and co-found ensembles including Butter Quartet, Brezza, El Gabinete de Música, Pseudonym, Postscript, Ballarte Ensemble, Il Concerto Intempestivo, and Das Kolorit, and collaborate regularly with internationally renowned groups such as Il Giardino Armonico, English Baroque Soloists, Il Pomo d’Oro, Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras, Les Talens Lyriques, Le Consort, The English Concert, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Holland Baroque, Arcangelo, I Gemelli, Vox Luminis, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Freiburger Barockorchester, L’Arpeggiata, Los Elementos and Springhead Constellation.
At the heart of Le Sommeil’s work lies an exploration of myth, dream, and archetype through the language of early music, seeking their contemporary resonance.
The ensemble’s first single, Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre’s Sur une mer, released by Universal, was featured on the soundtrack of the film Wolf. In 2025, Le Sommeil became a laureate of the 60th International Festival Wratislavia Cantans anniversary competition, where it premiered the programme Semele under the patronage of the Institut Français. That same year, the ensemble signed with Pentatone for the release of its debut album Semele. Since 2026, Le Sommeil has been a member of REMA (Réseau Européen de Musique Ancienne).