Jean-Marc Foltz is a French clarinetist and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born on December 19, 1970, in Mulhouse, France, Foltz grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, so Foltz was surrounded by music from both genres. Foltz began playing the clarinet at the age of eight and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg and later at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where he earned a first prize in clarinet performance. After completing his studies, Foltz began performing with various orchestras and ensembles in France and throughout Europe. He quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso clarinetist with a unique style that blended classical and jazz influences. He also began composing his own music, which was heavily influenced by his love of jazz and improvisation. One of Foltz's early highlights was his performance at the Festival Musica in Strasbourg in 1996. He performed a piece by the composer Luciano Berio, which was a challenging work that required Foltz to use a variety of extended techniques on the clarinet. His performance was widely praised, and it helped to establish him as a rising star in the classical music world. In the years that followed, Foltz continued to perform and compose music, collaborating with a wide range of musicians and artists. He also began to explore new ways of using the clarinet, experimenting with electronic effects and other techniques to create a more expansive sound. One of Foltz's most notable collaborations was with the German pianist and composer Carsten Dahl. The two musicians first met in 2003 and quickly discovered a shared love of improvisation and experimentation. They began performing together regularly, and in 2006 they released their first album, "Silent Songs," which was widely praised for its innovative blend of classical and jazz influences. Foltz has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists, including the French pianist and composer François Couturier, the German saxophonist and composer Daniel Erdmann, and the American composer and pianist Uri Caine. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Foltz has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2007, he was awarded the Prix de la Révélation Instrumentale by the French Ministry of Culture, which is given to young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. Foltz has also been recognized for his work as an educator, teaching at the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. He has also given masterclasses and workshops throughout Europe and the United States, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Today, Foltz continues to perform and compose music, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the clarinet and exploring new ways of blending classical and jazz influences. He remains a highly respected figure in the world of contemporary classical music, and his innovative approach to the clarinet has inspired countless musicians and artists around the world.

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