Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Ensemble Court-Circuit is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Paris, France. Founded in 1991 by composer and conductor Pierre-André Valade, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to promoting new music. Valade, who studied at the Paris Conservatory and the University of California, San Diego, had a vision for an ensemble that would focus on contemporary music and collaborate closely with composers. He assembled a group of musicians who shared his passion for new music, and Ensemble Court-Circuit was born. The ensemble's name, which translates to "short circuit," reflects its mission to break down barriers between composers, performers, and audiences. Valade has said that he wanted to create a space where composers could experiment and take risks, and where audiences could discover new sounds and ideas. Ensemble Court-Circuit's core members include a mix of instrumentalists and vocalists, many of whom are also composers. Over the years, the ensemble has worked with a wide range of composers, from established figures like Pierre Boulez and György Ligeti to up-and-coming talents like Rebecca Saunders and Philippe Hurel. One of the ensemble's early highlights was a performance of Boulez's "Répons" at the 1992 Festival d'Automne in Paris. The piece, which features live electronics and a large ensemble, was a technical and artistic tour de force that showcased the ensemble's virtuosity and commitment to new music. Since then, Ensemble Court-Circuit has gone on to perform at major festivals and venues around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Lincoln Center Festival in New York. The ensemble has also released numerous recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of music by Hurel. In addition to performing, Ensemble Court-Circuit is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly works with young composers and performers, offering workshops and masterclasses to help develop the next generation of new music practitioners. Ensemble Court-Circuit has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Victoires de la Musique Classique in 2002 and the Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros in 2010. The ensemble's recordings have also been recognized with awards from organizations like Diapason and Gramophone. Despite its success, Ensemble Court-Circuit remains committed to its founding mission of promoting new music and breaking down barriers between composers, performers, and audiences. Valade has said that he sees the ensemble as a laboratory for new ideas and a platform for artistic experimentation. As the ensemble approaches its 30th anniversary, it continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music and inspire audiences around the world with its innovative programming and virtuosic performances.

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