Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2008 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for performing music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ensemble is based in Paris, France, and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances of works by composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Stravinsky, and Schoenberg. The founding members of Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque were violinist Gilles Colliard, cellist Raphaël Merlin, and pianist Vanessa Wagner. All three musicians had extensive experience performing classical music, both as soloists and as members of other ensembles. They came together with the idea of creating a group that would focus specifically on the music of the late Romantic and early Modern periods, which they felt was often overlooked by other ensembles. From the beginning, Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque was committed to performing this music in a way that was both historically informed and musically engaging. The musicians studied the performance practices of the time period, including the use of period instruments and techniques, in order to create performances that were as authentic as possible. At the same time, they sought to bring a fresh and modern perspective to the music, emphasizing its emotional and expressive qualities. One of the ensemble's early highlights was a performance of Debussy's String Quartet in G minor at the Festival de Saintes in 2009. The performance was praised for its clarity and sensitivity, and marked the beginning of the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Debussy's music. The ensemble went on to perform at other major festivals and venues throughout Europe, including the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In addition to its performances of standard repertoire, Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque has also commissioned and premiered new works by contemporary composers. One notable example is the ensemble's collaboration with composer Philippe Hersant on his piece "Le Chemin de Jérusalem," which was premiered in 2012. The piece, which was inspired by the medieval pilgrimage route to Jerusalem, features a combination of period and modern instruments and has been praised for its evocative and atmospheric qualities. Over the years, the membership of Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque has evolved, with new musicians joining and others leaving. However, the ensemble has remained committed to its original mission of exploring and celebrating the music of the late Romantic and early Modern periods. Today, the ensemble's core members include violinist Gilles Colliard, cellist Raphaël Merlin, pianist Vanessa Wagner, and clarinetist Olivier Patey. Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the Diapason d'Or for its recording of Ravel's Piano Trio, and in 2015 it received the Victoires de la Musique Classique award for its recording of Debussy's String Quartet and Ravel's String Quartet. The ensemble has also been praised for its live performances, with critics noting its precision, energy, and emotional depth. In recent years, Ensemble Nouvelle Epoque has continued to expand its repertoire and explore new ways of presenting classical music.

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