Role

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Ensemble

 

Akademia is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989 by French conductor and pianist Franck Fontcouberte. The ensemble is based in Paris, France, and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances of classical music. The founding of Akademia was inspired by Fontcouberte's desire to create a new kind of classical music ensemble that would be both innovative and accessible to a wider audience. He envisioned an ensemble that would combine the traditional elements of classical music with modern techniques and styles, creating a unique and exciting sound that would appeal to a broad range of listeners. To achieve this vision, Fontcouberte assembled a group of talented musicians from around the world, each with their own unique style and approach to music. The ensemble's main members include violinists Laurent Manaud-Pallas and Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabédian, violist Miguel da Silva, cellist Raphaël Merlin, and pianist Franck Fontcouberte himself. Over the years, Akademia has become known for its innovative and dynamic performances of classical music, which often incorporate elements of jazz, rock, and other modern styles. The ensemble has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Lincoln Center in New York, and the Salzburg Festival in Austria. One of the highlights of Akademia's career was their performance at the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival, where they performed a program of classical music with a jazz twist. The ensemble's performance was met with critical acclaim, and they were invited back to the festival the following year to perform again. In addition to their live performances, Akademia has also released several recordings over the years, including their debut album, "Akademia Live," which was released in 1992. The album features live recordings of the ensemble's performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, among others. Akademia has also been the recipient of several awards and honors over the years, including the Grand Prix du Disque from the Académie Charles Cros for their recording of Mozart's Piano Quartets in 1995. The ensemble has also been recognized for their contributions to the world of classical music by organizations such as the French Ministry of Culture and the International Music Council. Despite their many accomplishments, Akademia remains committed to their original vision of creating innovative and accessible classical music. The ensemble continues to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating new styles and techniques into their performances and recordings, and inspiring audiences around the world with their unique and dynamic sound.

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