Ambroisie

Ambroisie is a French classical-music record label established in 1999 by Nicolas Bartholomée. The label focused primarily on classical repertoire, with a particular association with French classical performers and releases connected to early music and historically informed performance. Its catalogue included recordings by artists such as Christophe Rousset, reflecting a specialist rather than mass-market orientation. Ambroisie was subsequently sold to Naïve Records, although the available reference material does not specify the transaction date, financial terms, or the precise organizational structure that followed. Some artists associated with Ambroisie, including Christophe Rousset, later released recordings on Aparté, a label founded by Bartholomée after his work with Ambroisie. The available sources do not establish whether Ambroisie continues to operate as an independent imprint, has been fully absorbed into another catalogue, or remains active only as a catalogue brand. No reliable information is provided here about a standalone website, current executives, catalogue size, revenue, or present distribution arrangements.

Ambroisie was founded in France in 1999 by Nicolas Bartholomée as a specialist record label devoted to classical music. The label’s identity was shaped by a focus on repertoire and performers rather than by the broad commercial positioning of a major popular-music company. Its releases were mainly associated with French classical artists, and its catalogue also extended into early music and related historical repertory. Among the performers connected with the label was Christophe Rousset, a conductor and harpsichordist known for work in early music and historically informed performance. At a later, unspecified date, Ambroisie was sold to Naïve Records. The available reference does not provide the terms of the sale or explain whether the label retained a separate management, marketing, or distribution operation after the transaction. It also does not establish the date on which new Ambroisie releases ceased, if they ceased at all. The sale places the label within the broader history of specialist European classical catalogues being transferred to larger or more established record-company groups. The label’s subsequent history is also connected to Nicolas Bartholomée’s later creation of Aparté. Some artists who had released through Ambroisie, including Christophe Rousset, later issued recordings on Bartholomée’s new label. This continuity suggests an overlap in artistic networks, although the available material does not establish a formal transfer of Ambroisie’s catalogue or contracts to Aparté. Because detailed discography, corporate, and operational information is not available in the supplied sources, Ambroisie’s current legal status, ownership arrangements, and continuing activity cannot be confirmed.

1. 1999Ambroisie is founded

   Nicolas Bartholomée founded Ambroisie in France as a classical-music record label.

   Source
2. Sale to Naïve Records

   Ambroisie was later sold to Naïve Records. The available source does not state the year or financial terms of the transaction.

   Source

Specialist French classical-music label with a strong association with French artists, early music, and historically informed performance.

• Classical-music recordingsRecorded music1999

  Ambroisie’s principal output consisted of recordings of classical repertoire. The label was associated mainly with French classical artists and maintained a specialist catalogue oriented toward concert, chamber, vocal, and historically informed performance traditions. The supplied reference does not identify a definitive list of flagship albums or provide catalogue-level sales information.

• Early-music recordingsRecorded music

  The label was also associated with early music and related historical repertory, including work by performers such as Christophe Rousset. These releases formed part of Ambroisie’s specialist classical positioning and connected the label with historically informed performance. Specific release dates, titles, and continuing availability are not established by the available material.

• Sale of Ambroisie to Naïve RecordsM&A

  Ambroisie operated as a specialist French classical label before being transferred to Naïve Records.

  What changed. The label was sold to Naïve Records. The available source does not specify whether the transaction was an acquisition of the label, its catalogue, or both.

  Aftermath. The label’s post-sale operating status is not confirmed. Artists previously associated with Ambroisie, including Christophe Rousset, later released work on Aparté, founded by Nicolas Bartholomée.

  Source

1. Ambroisie