Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its unique sound and virtuosic performances for over three decades. Founded in 1986 by six clarinetists who shared a passion for chamber music, the ensemble has become one of the most renowned clarinet sextets in the world. The founding members of the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris were Michel Arrignon, Jacques Di Donato, Guy Dangain, Michel Lethiec, Philippe Berrod, and Pascal Moraguès. All six musicians were accomplished clarinetists who had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians in their own right. They came together with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of music written for clarinet ensemble and showcasing the versatility and expressive potential of the clarinet. From the beginning, the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris distinguished itself with its innovative programming and impeccable musicianship. The ensemble's repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods, from classical and romantic works to contemporary compositions and arrangements of popular music. The sextet's arrangements are often tailored to showcase the unique timbres and textures of the clarinet family, which includes the soprano, alto, bass, and contrabass clarinets. Over the years, the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. The ensemble has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, earning critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences wherever they go. Some of the highlights of the sextet's career include performances at the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Lincoln Center in New York. In addition to its concert performances, the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris has also recorded several albums, showcasing its diverse repertoire and virtuosic playing. The ensemble's recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. One of the most notable aspects of the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris is the close collaboration and camaraderie among its members. Despite their individual achievements and busy schedules, the six clarinetists have maintained a strong bond and a shared commitment to their ensemble. This has allowed them to develop a unique musical identity and a deep understanding of each other's playing styles and musical preferences. The Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris has also been a champion of new music, commissioning and premiering works by some of the most prominent composers of our time. The ensemble has collaborated with composers such as Luciano Berio, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Kaija Saariaho, among others, and has premiered works written specifically for clarinet sextet. In recognition of its outstanding contributions to the world of classical music, the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris has received numerous awards and honors. In 1990, the ensemble was awarded the Prix de la Fondation de France, and in 1996, it received the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris. The sextet has also been named Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, and has been awarded the prestigious Victoire de la Musique Classique. Today, the Sextuor de Clarinettes de Paris continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world with its innovative programming, virtuosic playing, and deep musicality.

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