Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

 

Pentaèdre is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in chamber music. The group was founded in 1985 by five musicians who shared a passion for the woodwind quintet repertoire. Over the years, Pentaèdre has become one of the most respected and sought-after chamber ensembles in Canada, known for their virtuosity, musicality, and innovative programming. The founding members of Pentaèdre were Normand Forget (flute), Martin Carpentier (oboe), Mathieu Lussier (bassoon), Louis-Philippe Marsolais (horn), and Dominic Desautels (clarinet). All five musicians were graduates of the Conservatoire de musique du Québec, and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form Pentaèdre. From the beginning, Pentaèdre set out to explore the rich and varied repertoire of the woodwind quintet, which includes works by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Ravel, as well as contemporary composers like Elliott Carter, György Ligeti, and Luciano Berio. The group's commitment to this repertoire has led them to become experts in the field, and they are often called upon to give masterclasses and workshops on woodwind quintet playing. One of the highlights of Pentaèdre's early career was their performance at the 1987 International Chamber Music Competition in Osaka, Japan, where they won first prize. This was a major achievement for the young ensemble, and helped to establish their reputation as one of the most promising chamber groups of their generation. Since then, Pentaèdre has gone on to perform at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Marc-André Hamelin, soprano Karina Gauvin, and cellist Matt Haimovitz. In addition to their performances, Pentaèdre has also made a number of highly acclaimed recordings. Their discography includes several albums of woodwind quintet repertoire, as well as recordings of works by composers such as Mozart, Schubert, and Debussy. Their recording of Mozart's complete wind quintets, released in 2010, was particularly well-received, and was nominated for a Juno Award (Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards). One of the hallmarks of Pentaèdre's performances is their innovative programming. The group is known for their ability to combine traditional repertoire with lesser-known works and contemporary pieces, creating programs that are both engaging and thought-provoking. They are also committed to commissioning new works for the woodwind quintet, and have premiered pieces by Canadian composers such as Denis Gougeon, André Prévost, and R. Murray Schafer. In addition to their performances and recordings, Pentaèdre is also dedicated to music education. The group regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has been involved in a number of educational initiatives, including the creation of a woodwind quintet competition for young musicians in Quebec. Over the years, Pentaèdre has received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In addition to their win at the Osaka competition, they have been awarded the Prix Opus (Quebec's top classical music award) several times, and have been nominated for Juno Awards on multiple occasions.

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