Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Switzerland

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Instrumental de Lausanne (EIL) is a classical music group based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The group was founded in 1981 by Pierre Amoyal, a renowned violinist, and Michel Corboz, a conductor and musicologist. The aim of the group was to promote classical music in Switzerland and beyond, and to provide a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents. The group started with just a handful of musicians, but quickly grew in size and reputation. In its early years, EIL performed mainly in Switzerland, but soon began to tour internationally, performing in major concert halls across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. One of the highlights of EIL's early years was its performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The group was invited to perform at the opening ceremony, where it played a piece by Swiss composer Arthur Honegger. The performance was widely praised and helped to raise the group's profile both in Switzerland and abroad. Over the years, EIL has collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Martha Argerich, and Maxim Vengerov. The group has also worked with a number of renowned conductors, including Claudio Abbado, Herbert von Karajan, and Daniel Barenboim. In addition to its collaborations with other musicians, EIL has also commissioned and premiered many new works by contemporary composers. These include pieces by Swiss composers Michael Jarrell and Heinz Holliger, as well as works by international composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Sofia Gubaidulina. EIL has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1990, the group was awarded the Prix de la Fondation Vaudoise pour la Culture, a prestigious Swiss cultural award. In 2001, EIL was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros, a French music award, for its recording of Mozart's Piano Concertos Nos. 20 and 21 with pianist Maria João Pires. One of the most significant moments in EIL's history came in 2011, when Pierre Amoyal retired as the group's artistic director. Amoyal had been with the group since its inception and had played a key role in its success. His departure marked the end of an era for EIL, but the group continued to thrive under the leadership of its new artistic director, Joshua Weilerstein. Under Weilerstein's direction, EIL has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, exploring new repertoire and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians. In 2018, the group released a critically acclaimed recording of works by Swiss composer Frank Martin, which was praised for its "precision, clarity, and emotional depth." Today, EIL is recognized as one of the leading classical music groups in Switzerland and beyond. The group continues to tour extensively, performing in major concert halls and festivals around the world. Its commitment to promoting classical music and supporting young musicians remains as strong as ever, and its future looks bright.

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