André Cardinal Destouches (c. 1672–1749) was a French composer and opera director, known for his contributions to the French Baroque music scene. He primarily composed opera, ballet, and sacred music, and he was part of the transition from the early Baroque to the more refined styles of the later 18th century. Notable works include his operas "Les Élémens" (1716) and "Issé" (1714), which showcased his ability to blend lyrical melodies with complex orchestration and dramatic narratives. Destouches served as the director of the Académie Royale de Musique, where he played a significant role in shaping the French operatic landscape. His impact on music is significant in that he helped to establish a distinct French style of opera, characterized by a blend of Italian and French elements. Destouches influenced subsequent composers, including Jean-Philippe Rameau, by emphasizing the importance of orchestration and the integration of dance within opera. His work contributed to the development of French opera as a vital art form in the Baroque period, leaving a lasting legacy in the evolution of Western classical music.