Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Alternance is a French classical music ensemble that was founded in 1982 by the composer and conductor Philippe Hurel. The ensemble is known for its innovative and contemporary approach to classical music, and has become one of the most respected and influential ensembles in France. The founding of Ensemble Alternance was a response to the lack of opportunities for contemporary classical music in France at the time. Hurel, along with a group of like-minded musicians, wanted to create a platform for new and experimental music that was not being performed by traditional orchestras and ensembles. The ensemble's name reflects this mission, as it represents the idea of an alternative to the mainstream classical music scene. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but it has always been led by Hurel, who serves as both conductor and composer. Other key members have included the flutist Mario Caroli, the clarinetist Jean-Marc Fessard, and the pianist Wilhem Latchoumia. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest performers and composers over the years, including Pierre Boulez, Kaija Saariaho, and Magnus Lindberg. Ensemble Alternance has performed extensively throughout France and Europe, and has also toured in Asia and North America. The ensemble has been featured at many major music festivals, including the Festival d'Automne in Paris, the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany, and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the UK. One of the highlights of Ensemble Alternance's career was its performance of Hurel's piece "Tombeau in memoriam Gérard Grisey" at the Festival d'Automne in 1999. The piece was a tribute to the composer Gérard Grisey, who had passed away the previous year. The performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and technical virtuosity, and helped to establish Ensemble Alternance as a leading force in contemporary classical music. Ensemble Alternance has also been recognized with a number of awards and honors over the years. In 1993, the ensemble was awarded the Prix de la Nouvelle Académie du Disque for its recording of Hurel's "Figures libres." In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros for its recording of Saariaho's "Graal théâtre" and Lindberg's "Kraft." The ensemble has also been nominated for several Victoires de la Musique awards, which are the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Alternance has also been involved in a number of educational and outreach programs. The ensemble has worked with schools and community organizations to introduce young people to contemporary classical music, and has also offered workshops and masterclasses for aspiring musicians. Overall, Ensemble Alternance has had a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene in France and beyond. Through its innovative programming and commitment to new and experimental music, the ensemble has helped to expand the boundaries of classical music and inspire a new generation of composers and performers.

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