Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Catherine Michel is a renowned French harpist and conductor, known for her virtuosic performances and contributions to the classical music world. Born on December 11, 1948, in Paris, France, Michel began her musical journey at a young age, studying the harp with Lily Laskine at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. Michel's talent and dedication to the harp quickly became apparent, and she won several prestigious awards and competitions early in her career. In 1969, she won first prize at the International Harp Competition in Israel, and in 1970, she won the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Debussy's Danses sacrée et profane. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Michel established herself as one of the leading harpists of her generation, performing with major orchestras and conductors around the world. She was a regular soloist with the Orchestre National de France, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, among others. In addition to her solo work, Michel was also a sought-after chamber musician, collaborating with some of the most renowned musicians of her time. She was a founding member of the Michelangelo Quartet, which was named after her and included violinist Régis Pasquier, violist Bruno Pasquier, and cellist Roland Pidoux. The quartet performed together for over a decade, earning critical acclaim for their recordings and performances. In the 1990s, Michel began to focus more on conducting, and she became the first woman to conduct the Orchestre National de France in 1994. She went on to conduct many other major orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout her career, Michel has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the classical music world. In 1991, she was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, and in 2000, she was named a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. She has also been awarded the Grand Prix du Disque several times, as well as the Victoire de la Musique Classique. Despite her many accomplishments, Michel remains dedicated to her craft and continues to perform and conduct around the world. She has recorded over 50 albums throughout her career, showcasing her versatility and mastery of the harp. Her contributions to the classical music world have been immeasurable, and she remains an inspiration to musicians and music lovers alike.

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