editorial Seasons with a wealth of new proposals! In 2017-18-19, the Debussy string quartet will continue its travels, bringing performances and new creations to audiences throughout the world. For 25 years, the quartet s tours have led it to the most prestigious venues on all of the continents. New ideas and reprises of our most successful programs are in store for you in the coming seasons. Following the worldwide success of Boxe Boxe, with choreography by Mourad Merzouki, the Compagnie Käfig and the Debussy string quartet, the artists will renew their collaboration in January 2017 with Boxe Boxe Brasil: this new production, which is much more than a simple sequel, will unite the Debussy string quartet and 9 Brazilian dancers. For the Centenary of the death of Claude Debussy, the Quatuor will present a Tribute to Debussy in 2018 in honor of the composer. Exchanges and sharing are the keys to the daily cultural and artistic outreach activities of our musicians. The coming seasons will see the completion of several projects, including slam programmes with vocational high school students and an interdisciplinary opera with an elementary school. 2016 marked the release of Chostakovitch, the soundtrack of the Opus show and Filigrane, a surprising encounter between jazz and classical music. In 2017, a new recording devoted to the quartets of Marc Mellits will complete the discography of the Debussy string quartet which now includes more than 30 references. For more information on our recordings: www.debussystringquartet.com
CONCERTS IN THE QUARTET FORMATION We are ready and more than willing to build a tailor-made programme for you! To give you an overview of our repertoire, here are some of our thematic ideas with the quartet which are of course open to your ideas too! Intimate Requiems CONCERt Concert in memory of the angels F. Mendelssohn: Requiem for Fanny, opus 80 D. Shostakovich: Quartet No. 8 opus 100 W.A. Mozart: Requiem (transcription by P. Lichtenthal, 1802) Chostakovitch, string quartets 2016, Evidence Classics/Little Tribeca Requiem, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 2009, Universal Music Classics France Video available http://bit.ly/requiem-mozart Heroines CONCERt In honor of tragic heroines L. JANÁČEK: Quartet No. 1 Kreutzer Sonata D. Shostakovich: Aria from Lady Macbeth of Mzensk F. SCHUBERT: Quartet No. 14 Death and the Maiden A Quartet at the Opera CONCERt The greatest opera arias played by a string quartet! W.A. MOZART: Don Giovanni (transcription by J. Küffner, 1796) G. ROSSINI: Otello (transcription by J. Küffner, 1820) G. PUCCINI: Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums) G. VERDI: Luisa Miller (transcription by E. Muzio, 1851) Evening in the Gardens of Spain CONCERt Iberian Inspirations E. TOLDRÀ: Vistes al mar J. TURINA: La oración del torero E. LALO: Quartet opus 45 M. RAVEL: Quartet in F major opus 35 Ravel / Fauré Quatuors à cordes 2004, Arion Video available http://bit.ly/vistes-al-mar Bernard Benant schubert / janáček 2014, Evidence Classics/ Little Tribeca Video available http://bit.ly/chosta-elegie-adagio
BEETHOVEN PROJECT Beethoven Passion CONCERt Attacking a monument! The Debussy string quartet is well-known for accepting great challenges. Following the success of the first three acts, the musicians would now like to present Act IV! Act I: Quartet No. 4, opus 18/4 Quartet No. 11, opus 95 Quartet No. 8, opus 59/2 Act II: Quartet No. 3, opus 18/3 Quartet No. 16, opus 135 Quartet No. 9, opus 59/3 Act III: Quartet No. 6, opus 18/6 Great Fugue, opus 133 Quartet No. 12, opus 127 Act IV: Quartet No. 5, opus 18/5 Quartet No. 15, opus 134 Video available http://bit.ly/beethoven-passion Bernard Benant Quatuor Debussy
FOCUS ON Shadow Games! CONCERt Farewell to the scores, it s time for chiaroscuro! The Debussy string quartet presents a concert in shadows and light, with silhouettes and strings in enigmatic backlighting: as they plunge into the repertoire of three great composers, their profound, passionate interpretations move progressively through the shadows into the light. This programme is performed completely by heart, without music stands or scores, allowing the musicians to once again leave the beaten tracks of a classical music performance. They live the works fully, far from the frozen image of a chamber music concert, in a setting that is marked by an intimate chiaroscuro. This aesthetic choice brings the audience closer to the music, giving listeners the opportunity to discover all its rich and sensitive facets. D. Shostakovich: Elegy and Quartet No. 7 L. v. Beethoven: Quartet opus 95 M. Ravel: Quartet in F major opus 35 Length 1:15 All audiences 4 musicians, 1 sound technician + 1 light technician Chostakovitch, string quartet no. 3-7-10 2000, Arion Ravel-Fauré, Quatuors à cordes 2004, Arion Video available http://bit.ly/jeux-ombres
Bernard Benant
TRIBUTE TO DEBUSSY Centenary of the death of Claude Debussy The quartet has decided to honor the great composer for the centenary of his death (2018), accompanied by exceptional classical and jazz musicians! Debussy on jazz! CONCERt with Jean-Philippe Collard-Neven (piano) and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (double bass) In 2016, an artistic residence in Marciac brought together the best of the artists eclectic repertoires resulting in the album Filigrane Signature Collection Radio-France, Harmonia Mundi. In this tribute to Debussy (and Ravel too!), the musicians of the quartet venture into audacious interpretations and J.P. Collard-Neven responds with his compositions, resulting in a unique chamber jazz sound. This is music that can convince classical music lovers that they can learn to love jazz, and jazz lovers that they will love listening to classical music. Debussy by Debussy! CONCERt With Marielle Nordmann (harp) The Debussy string quartet and harpist Marielle Nordmann join together for the Debussy Centenary with a sublime programme of French music. In keeping with its musical engagement over the years, the Quartet pays a tribute to two close friends, André Caplet and Claude Debussy, whose numerous collaborations and mutual admiration were a inspiration to all. Debussy / Caplet 2013, Timpani Filigrane 2016, Radio France Signature, Harmonia Mundi Video available http://bit.ly/filigrane
D. R.
GUEST STARS Fabulous artistic collaborations! Some collaborations are unforgettable because they allow our guest artists and the Debussy string quartet to develop a friendship that is enriched over time. That is why the joy of each new performance is matched only by the joy and pleasure that comes from sharing it with the largest range of audiences possible. Vincent Catala Karine Deshayes CONCERt & the Debussy string quartet with Karine Deshayes (mezzo-soprano) F. Schubert: Lieder and Quartet No. 14 W.A. Mozart: Concert arias and Opera arias Lyric artist of the year at the Victoires de la musique in 2011 and 2016, mezzo-soprano Karine Deshayes has been acclaimed throughout the world for her lyric performances. Here she joins the Debussy string quartet in a programme that includes Mozart arias and Schubert lieder, a dialogue between voice and strings in exquisite arrangements by the Debussy string quartet, bringing back the intimate spirit of the Viennese music salons. Length 1:30 All audiences 4 musicians, 1 singer schubert / janáček 2014, Evidence Classics/ Little Tribeca Mozartian Duel CONCERt With Stéphanie d'oustrac (soprano) and Sébastien Droy (tenor) Or Amel Brahim Djelloul (soprano) and Florian Sempey (baritone) W.A. Mozart: Requiem (transcription by P. Lichtenthal) W.A. Mozart: Concert arias and Opera arias A requiem arranged for string quartet, arias for just two voices or operas without an orchestra - this would surely appeal to the playful Wolfgang! Two of the finest voices in opera today offer us a chamber vision of Mozart s orchestral masterpieces. Length 1:30 All audiences 4 musicians, 2 singers Requiem, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 2009, Universal Music Classics France Video available http://bit.ly/cordes-2016 Richard Galliano CONCERt & the Debussy string quartet with Richard Galliano (accordion) Debussy, Mozart, Piazzolla, Galliano Virtuoso Richard Galliano was determined to create an artistic encounter between Mozart and the accordion. He has constantly challenged the traditional cleavages between "scholarly music" and "popular music", never hesitating to adapt the traditional repertoire to his instrument and to contrast it with his own compositions. Length 1:30 All audiences 5 musicians Mozart, Richard Galliano 2016, Deutsche Grammophon Video available http://bit.ly/cordes-galliano
CINEMA-CONCERTS Music and film, with the Debussy string quartet Let s travel together to yesteryear on an imaginary journey into the heart of the silent film era. Frightful Night! CINEMA-CONCERT The Musician (C. Stéphan, P. Ermosilla, P. Lasbignes et J. Ngo) Music: Valentin Hadjadj Nosferatu (F. Wilhelm Murnau) / Music: Baudime Jam For the Lumière brothers cinema was first and foremost about images. Music, volatile and versatile, would take silent films into a completely different dimension, to the magic moment when melodies and moving images are a perfect match. This eerie, chilling Frightful Night starts with The Musician, a short, animated film that tells the story of a night in an orphanage when the children meet the Musician, an ominous character from their nightmares. The evening continues with the cult expressionist classic Nosferatu, plunging us into a world of vampires, crumbling castles and haunting Transylvanian landscapes. Length 1:45 (no intermission) 4 musicians, 1 sound/light engineer From 10 years of age D. R.
JAZZ Perhaps you prefer a jazz concert that takes you from the era of Gershwin and Debussy to today s modern jazz? CONCERt jazz Franck Tortiller Trio & the Debussy string quartet With Franck Tortiller (percussion) The members of the Debussy string quartet once again confirm their passion for jazz in this collaboration with jazz musician and composer Franck Tortiller. This is a programme with rich new musical hues, from Mellits (Tapas Quartet) to Tortiller, to Gershwin (Porgy and Bess) and Debussy. The musicians weave together eclectic sounds from diverse cultures: classical musical and jazz, American, French, improvised or arranged Length 1:30 All audiences Mellits Release in May 2017 Evidence Classics + For more information http://bit.ly/mellits-debussy 7 musicians + 1 sound engineer Renaud Corlouër
Michel Cavalca
CIE C!RCA & CIE KÄFIG THE SEQUELS Why stop when we have just got going? In the ruthless (and often boundless) world of sequels - which are often a pale, carbon copy of the original - certain second episodes attempt to buck the trend. These two shows for the new seasons do just that! Opus 2 SHOW With the Compagnie C!RCA Yaron Lifschitz Creation 2016 Following the worldwide success of the first Opus, created for the Nuits de Fourvière festival in Lyon, Opus 2 confirms the desire of the Debussy string quartet and the Australian company C!RCA to come as close as possible to their audiences. The form remains the same a contemporary circus ballet accompanied by a string quartet but this new show is performed by a smaller team, and Shostakovich s music is thus closer and more intimate than ever. Length 1:30 (no intermission) All audiences 4 musicians + 8 circus artists + 1 sound engineer + 1 light/stage manager + 1 tour manager +1 production coordinator Chostakovitch, string quartets (original soundtrack) 2016, Evidence Classics/Little Tribeca Video available http://bit.ly/opus-debussy Boxe Boxe SHOW Brasil With the Compagnie Käfig Mourad Merzouki Creation 2017 This new show is more than just a sequel to our worldwide success Boxe Boxe. Once again Mourad Merzouki, the Compagnie Käfig and the Debussy string quartet pursue their collaboration, but with an entirely new work: still at the crossroads of two universes, this time the artists head for the Americas! 9 Brazilian dancers will accompany them on the journey with new scores and a blend of genres and styles. Length 1:30 (no intermission) All audiences 4 musicians + 9 dancers + 1 sound engineer + 1 stage manager + 1 light manager
CREATION New season, new project This season the Debussy string quartet will present a new collaboration: a new project with original music composed by today s artist. Qaraqorum SHOW Staging by Alain Patiès, Compagnie La Grande Fugue Creation 2017 Qaraqorum is a scenic project and our first collaboration with the company La Grande Fugue, centred around the works of composer François-Bernard Mâche. Mâche draws his inspiration from Franciscan monk Guillaume de Rubrouck s travels to Mongolia in 1255 and the monk s discovery of new peoples. Qaraqorum thus evokes questions of tolerance, secularism and the need to confront our prejudices with the notion of the Other. Length 1:30 (no intermission) All audiences 4 musicians + 3 singers + 1 sound engineer + 1 light engineer + 1 stage manager + 1 production coordinator (when on tour)
FOR THE FAMILY Never too young to discover music! Are you looking for a programme for young audiences? Discover a show with staging that is sophisticated yet well-adapted to the whole family. Length 1 hour (no intermission) Sir Ricky & SHOW Master Haydn With the Compagnie Emilie Valantin Creation 2012 Once upon a time the Emilie Valantin theatre company and the Quatuor Debussy come together to tell Perrault s wellknown tale, "Ricky of the Tuft". The story speaks of the power of love, beauty, and intelligence and of nature s unfairness, when one is given few or none of these qualities. The show is accompanied by Franz Joseph Haydn s string quartets which delicately transform the atmosphere between sadness, mockery, and tenderness. This is a subtle, generous tale for the eyes, the ears and the spirit! From 8 years of age 4 musicians + 3 puppeteers + 45 puppets + 1 stage/ sound manager Jean-Louis Fernandez Video available http://bit.ly/riquet-haydn
TEAM MEMBERS Debussy string quartet Christophe Collette, violin and artistic director Marc Vieillefon, violin Vincent Deprecq, viola Cédric Conchon, cello Marine Berthet, executive manager Blandine Côte, administrator Damien Donin, communications and development officer CONTACTS BP 4357 69242 Lyon Cedex 04 France Diffusion: diff@quatuordebussy.com T +33(0)4 72 48 04 65 M +33(0)6 28 34 72 19 www.quatuordebussy.com www.debussystringquartet.com On social networks: www.facebook.com/quatuordebussyfan www.twitter.com/quatuordebussy www.youtube.com/channel/ucio7zwxjqr8ss3n6yy3lj7a PARTNERS The Debussy string quartet is supported by funding from the Ministry of Culture (DRAC Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), the Auvergne-Rhône- Alpes Region and the City of Lyon. It is equally supported by the SPEDIDAM, the Association Musique Nouvelle en Liberté, the Institut Français and the Banque Rhône-Alpes. The Debussy string quartet is in residence at the Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne. Member of the following professional organizations: FEVIS, PROFEDIM and Bureau Export. Cover Photos: Bernard Benant Graphic Design: www.atelierchose.com Coralie Fouquet