Performance by Renaud and Gauthier Capuçon ~ 2024 Tribute to Reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens: A Celebration of History, Resilience, and Faith
Step into history as the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopens its doors to the world. After years of restoration, this architectural masterpiece once again stands as a symbol of strength, beauty, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
Join us for an unforgettable series of events to mark this monumental occasion.
Grand Opening Ceremony: Witness the majestic unveiling of Notre Dame, featuring a spectacular light show that illuminates its stunning façade, celebrating its legacy through a tapestry of light and sound.
Special Performances: Experience world-renowned artists and musicians performing sacred and classical compositions inspired by the cathedral’s rich heritage, including special renditions of works by Bach, Fauré, and other timeless composers.
Choral Elegance: Be moved by the harmonious voices of international choirs performing under the awe-inspiring vaulted ceilings, resonating with the cathedral’s grandeur.
Bells of Notre Dame: Hear the iconic bells ring out once more in a resounding celebration, a moment that unites hearts around the globe.
Experience the Rebirth of a Legend
Notre Dame Cathedral invites you to celebrate its reopening as a beacon of hope and cultural heritage.
Rediscover Notre Dame – where past, present, and future converge in divine harmony
Renaud and Gauthier Capuçon's performances at Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening ceremony • FRANCE 24
Renaud and Gautier Capuçon are a powerhouse sibling duo in the world of classical music, renowned for their individual artistry and the extraordinary synergy they bring to their collaborations. Together, they create performances that blend precision, emotion, and a profound understanding of the music they play.
A Shared Musical Journey
Hailing from Chambéry, France, the Capuçon brothers began their musical training at an early age, studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. While Renaud pursued the violin and Gautier excelled in the cello, their shared upbringing and innate connection have made their joint performances deeply resonant and seamless.
Their collaborations often feature staples of the chamber music repertoire, from Beethoven’s and Brahms’ sonatas to works by French composers like Fauré, Ravel, and Saint-Saëns.
Highlights of Their Partnership
Chamber Music Collaborations: The brothers frequently perform with top-tier musicians, including pianists Martha Argerich, Yuja Wang, and Frank Braley. Their performances of piano trios, sonatas, and larger chamber works are lauded for their emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Festival Appearances: They are regular fixtures at prestigious music festivals, including the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival (artistic direction by Renaud) and the Verbier Festival, where their joint concerts are highly anticipated.
Recordings: Their acclaimed discography includes albums of Beethoven's piano trios and Brahms' double concerto. Their interpretations are celebrated for their balance of individual artistry and collective cohesion.
Artistic Styles
Renaud Capuçon: As a violinist, Renaud is noted for his lyrical tone, impeccable technique, and nuanced interpretations. His playing often brings a sense of storytelling to the pieces he performs.
Gautier Capuçon: Gautier’s cello playing is distinguished by its rich, warm tone and emotional expressiveness. His technique allows him to navigate the most demanding works with apparent ease.
When performing together, the brothers achieve a natural musical dialogue, their instruments seeming to "converse" with one another, creating an experience that feels both intimate and monumental.
A Celebration of Sibling Harmony
The Capuçon brothers represent the pinnacle of chamber music, bringing warmth, energy, and a shared sense of purpose to every performance. Whether on stage together or as soloists, their artistry continues to inspire audiences around the globe.
Renaud Capuçon is a renowned French violinist celebrated for his exceptional artistry, lyrical interpretation, and technical brilliance. Born on January 27, 1976, in Chambéry, France, Capuçon has established himself as one of the leading classical musicians of his generation.
A Journey of Musical Excellence
Capuçon began studying the violin at the age of four, demonstrating prodigious talent early on. He honed his craft at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied under the guidance of legendary violinists such as Gérard Poulet and Veda Reynolds. His studies were complemented by mentorship from great masters, including Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman.
In 1997, Capuçon was appointed concertmaster of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra by Claudio Abbado, a position that significantly shaped his artistic outlook.
A Distinguished Career
Capuçon has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and London Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with maestros such as Daniel Barenboim, Bernard Haitink, and Simon Rattle. His repertoire spans a wide range of classical masterpieces, as well as contemporary works.
He is also a committed chamber musician and frequently collaborates with his brother, cellist Gautier Capuçon, as well as prominent pianists like Martha Argerich, Hélène Grimaud, and Frank Braley.
Accolades and Contributions
Capuçon is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Légion d'Honneur in France, recognizing his contributions to music. His discography is extensive, featuring acclaimed recordings of violin concertos, chamber works, and solo pieces.
In addition to performing, Capuçon is passionate about mentoring young musicians. He serves as the artistic director of several music festivals, including the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival, and is a professor at the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Violin and the Artist
Renaud Capuçon plays a 1737 Guarneri del Gesù violin, known as the "Panette," which once belonged to Isaac Stern. The instrument's warm, rich tone is a perfect match for Capuçon’s expressive playing style.
A Visionary of Modern Classical Music
Beyond his extraordinary performances, Capuçon is committed to making classical music accessible to new audiences, bridging tradition and innovation. Through his concerts, recordings, and educational initiatives, he continues to inspire music lovers around the globe.
Gautier Capuçon is a celebrated French cellist known for his virtuosic technique, expressive artistry, and charismatic stage presence. Born on September 3, 1981, in Chambéry, France, he is the younger brother of violinist Renaud Capuçon. Together and individually, they have brought exceptional musical talent to the world stage.
A Prodigy Turned Maestro
Capuçon began studying the cello at the age of five, showing remarkable promise from an early age. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse in Paris, where he won first prizes in cello and chamber music. He furthered his studies with renowned teachers like Heinrich Schiff and Philippe Muller.
A Stellar Career
Gautier Capuçon is a sought-after soloist, performing with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, including the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and Vienna Philharmonic. His repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary, and he frequently premieres works by modern composers.
As a chamber musician, Capuçon collaborates with distinguished artists, including Martha Argerich, Yuja Wang, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and his brother Renaud Capuçon. Their performances together are widely praised for their synergy and emotional depth.
Instrument of Choice
Capuçon plays a 1701 Matteo Goffriller cello, affectionately nicknamed "L'Ambassadeur." The instrument's rich, resonant tone complements his deeply expressive style.
Discography and Acclaim
Capuçon’s extensive discography includes critically acclaimed recordings of works by Dvořák, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, and Tchaikovsky. His interpretations of the cello repertoire have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Echo Klassik Award and Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Notable albums include:
Intuition (2018), a deeply personal selection of pieces highlighting the cello’s emotive range.
Emotions (2020), showcasing his versatility with a blend of classical and contemporary works.
Beyond the Stage
Capuçon is deeply committed to nurturing young talent. He founded the "Classe d'Excellence de Violoncelle" at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, where he mentors promising cellists from around the world.
As an ambassador for classical music, he also initiated the "Un Été en France" tour, bringing intimate outdoor performances to towns and villages, broadening classical music’s reach.
Artistic Vision
Known for his warm, engaging personality, Capuçon connects with audiences through his passionate performances. He combines technical brilliance with emotional resonance, making each performance a unique journey.
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