Country

:

France

Birth

:

January 20, 1934 in Paris, France

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Michel Debost is a renowned French flutist and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 12, 1934, in Paris, France, Debost began his musical journey at a young age. His father, Georges Debost, was a flutist and a professor at the Paris Conservatory, and his mother, Germaine Mounier, was a pianist. Growing up in a musical family, Debost was exposed to music from an early age and showed a keen interest in the flute. Debost began his formal music education at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied under his father. He later went on to study with Jean-Pierre Rampal, one of the most renowned flutists of the 20th century. Debost's talent and dedication to the flute were evident from the start, and he quickly established himself as a rising star in the world of classical music. In 1953, Debost won first prize at the Paris Conservatory, and in 1954, he won the prestigious Geneva International Music Competition. These early successes set the stage for a long and illustrious career in music. Debost's career as a flutist took him all over the world, performing with some of the most renowned orchestras and conductors of his time. He was a member of the Orchestre de Paris from 1960 to 1978, and he also performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, among others. In addition to his work as a flutist, Debost was also a respected conductor. He served as the music director of the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris from 1978 to 1981, and he also conducted the Orchestre National de France and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout his career, Debost was recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1985, and he was also awarded the Prix de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1991. In 2001, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Flute Association. Debost was also a prolific author and educator. He wrote several books on the flute, including "The Simple Flute" and "Orchestral Excerpts for Flute." He also taught at the Paris Conservatory and the University of Montreal, where he was a professor of flute from 1986 to 2004. Despite his many accomplishments, Debost remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He was known for his warm and generous personality, and he was beloved by his colleagues and students alike. Debost passed away on January 26, 2020, at the age of 86. His legacy as a flutist, conductor, author, and educator lives on, and he continues to inspire generations of musicians around the world.

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