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Bruno Helstroffer is a French classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a lutenist, composer, and conductor. Born in 1976 in Strasbourg, France, Helstroffer grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. He began playing the guitar at the age of six and later switched to the lute, which became his primary instrument. Helstroffer's early musical education was at the Conservatoire de Strasbourg, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned lutenist Hopkinson Smith. He later continued his studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where he received a diploma in lute performance. Helstroffer's career as a professional musician began in the early 2000s, when he started performing as a soloist and chamber musician in Europe and North America. He quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic playing and innovative interpretations of early music repertoire. One of Helstroffer's most notable performances was at the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2005, where he performed a program of French Baroque music on the theorbo, a large lute-like instrument. The performance was widely praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. In addition to his work as a performer, Helstroffer is also an accomplished composer and arranger. He has written numerous works for the lute, as well as arrangements of music by composers such as Bach and Vivaldi. His compositions have been performed by leading early music ensembles, including Les Arts Florissants and the Academy of Ancient Music. Helstroffer's career has been marked by numerous awards and accolades. In 2007, he was awarded the Prix Bettencourt Schueller, one of the most prestigious awards for young artists in France. He has also been a recipient of the Fondation Royaumont's Composer in Residence program, which provides support for emerging composers. In recent years, Helstroffer has expanded his musical horizons beyond the early music repertoire. He has collaborated with contemporary composers and performers, including jazz pianist Laurent de Wilde and electronic musician Murcof. He has also explored the intersection of early and contemporary music in his own compositions, which often incorporate elements of improvisation and experimentation. Despite his success as a performer and composer, Helstroffer remains committed to the study and preservation of early music. He is a passionate advocate for the lute and other early instruments, and has worked to promote their use in contemporary music-making. Overall, Bruno Helstroffer is a versatile and innovative musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His virtuosic playing, creative compositions, and commitment to musical exploration have earned him a place among the leading figures in the field of early music.

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