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The Ensemble Contaste uses four instruments in it’s surprisingly experimental musical amalgamations; piano, violin, viola and cello. Following the approach of its founders - altist Arnaud Thorette and pianist Johan Farjot - the Ensemble Contraste places the audience at the heart of its artistic creations, which results in spectacular concerts. These virtuoso musicians, among the most promising of their generation, are pushing the limits of classical music. a melting pot of new ideas and surprising experiments, the Ensemble Constraste has pursued the approach of Arnaud Thorette and Johan Farjot - by placing the audience at the heart of its artistic creations, it has produced spectacular events: classic tango, songs, Masques, la Belle et la Bête, aMeN, Saint-Germain-des-Près.
The diversity and spontaneity of the artists who make up this unusual ensemble allow them to offer an original programme, from classical music to tango, musicals, jazz and contemporary creations. The Ensemble Contraste has performed a number of works written specially by composer Karol Beffa. He works with artists from multiple backgrounds, notably Karine Deshayes, Sandrine Piau, Magali Léger, Alain Buet, Sébastien Droy, Isabelle Georges, Albin de la Simone, Emily Loizeau, Rosemary Standley, Raphaël Imbert, André Cécarelli, members of the Ebène Quarter.
The musicians of the Ensemble Contraste when composing their own arrangements are constantly seeking to infuse the repertroire with fresh imagintion. The energy, humour, sensitivity and merging genres of the ensemble are what invite and allow singers to collaborate harmoniously.
Since its creation in 2000, the Esemble Contraste has been invited to all the great theatres in France and abroad in more than ten countries (UK, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, countries in the Middle East). They are the resident ensemble of the Voix du Printemps festival in Paris.
In 2009 they released two albums to critical acclaim : “Café 1930 -Tangos” (ZigZag Territories) “Masques” (Karol Beffa /Triton): Classica, Coup de cœur FNAC, sélection Radio Classique, **** Monde de la musique. An original performance “Classic tango” with music ranging from Piazzolla to Gardel has drawn appreciative audiences since 2008. In 2011, the Ensemble Contraste alonside the mezzo-soprano Karine Deshayes and a combination of guest musicians recorded their “Songs” project dedicate to musical theatre.
Directors: Johan Farjot & Arnaud Thorette |
