Role

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Ensemble

 

Thélème is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is named after the fictional abbey in François Rabelais' novel "Gargantua and Pantagruel," which was a place of learning and intellectual freedom. The founding members of Thélème were violinist Marie-Ange Leurent, cellist Julien Decoin, and pianist François-Xavier Poizat. They were all graduates of the Paris Conservatory and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the ensemble. From the beginning, Thélème's mission was to explore the rich repertoire of chamber music and to bring new life to lesser-known works. The ensemble's repertoire spans from the Baroque era to contemporary music, and they have a particular affinity for French music. Thélème quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. They have performed in major concert halls throughout Europe, including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Salle Gaveau in Paris, the Wigmore Hall in London, and the Konzerthaus in Vienna. One of Thélème's most notable performances was their debut at the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier in 2014. They performed a program of French music that included works by Ravel, Debussy, and Fauré, and received a standing ovation from the audience. The performance was broadcast on French radio and received critical acclaim. Thélème has also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including violinist Renaud Capuçon and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. In 2016, they performed with Thibaudet at the Festival de Pâques in Aix-en-Provence, where they received a standing ovation and rave reviews. In addition to their performances, Thélème is committed to education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and have worked with organizations such as the Orchestre des Jeunes de la Méditerranée and the Académie Musicale de Villecroze. Thélème has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2015, they were awarded the Prix de la Révélation Classique by the French music magazine Diapason. Their recording of Fauré's Piano Quartets was named "Editor's Choice" by Gramophone magazine in 2017. Thélème's current members include Marie-Ange Leurent (violin), Julien Decoin (cello), François-Xavier Poizat (piano), and violist Adrien La Marca. They continue to perform and record together, and are known for their dynamic and passionate interpretations of chamber music.

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