Renaud Capuçon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Renaud Capuçon
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Renaud Capuçon in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Born | 27 January 1976 Chambéry, France |
| Genres | Classical |
| Instruments | Violin |
Renaud Capuçon (born January 27, 1976) is a famous French classical violinist. He is known for his amazing performances and recordings. Since late 2016, he has also been teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Contents
About His Life and Music
Early Life and Training
Renaud Capuçon was born in Chambéry, France, on January 27, 1976. He started playing the violin very early, at just 4 years old, at the local music school. When he was 14, he went to the famous Paris Conservatory, one of the best music schools in France. There, he studied with a great teacher named Gérard Poulet. Just three years later, he finished his studies, winning top prizes for both playing the violin and playing in small music groups (chamber music).
After his studies, Renaud joined important youth orchestras like the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. He even became the first violin (called the concertmaster) in the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, playing under the famous conductor Claudio Abbado.
A Solo and Chamber Musician
At the same time, Renaud started his own career as a soloist, playing by himself with orchestras, and as a chamber musician, playing with other musicians in smaller groups. He has played with many talented artists, including pianists like Nicholas Angelich and Hélène Grimaud. He often performs with his younger brother, Gautier Capuçon, who is a cellist.
Music Festivals and Collaborations
In 1996, Renaud started his own music festival near Chambéry, called the "Rencontres artistiques de Bel-Air." This festival ran every year until 2010 and brought together many important chamber musicians. Later, in 2013, he began directing another Easter festival in Aix-en-Provence.
He has recorded many classical pieces, including concertos for violin by composers like Schumann and Mendelssohn. He has also recorded chamber works by Ravel, Schubert, and Brahms.
His Special Violins
Renaud Capuçon has played on some very special violins throughout his career. In 2005, a bank loaned him a very rare and valuable Guarnerius violin from 1737. This violin once belonged to the famous violinist Isaac Stern.
Awards and Recognition
Renaud has received many awards for his musical talent. He won prizes at the Paris Conservatory in 1992 and 1993. In 2000, he was named "talent of the year" by the Victoires de la musique classique, a major French music award. In 2005, he won "instrumental soloist of the year." He also received the Georges Enescu violin prize in 2006.
In 2009, he took part in a film called 7.57 am-pm. In the film, he played a beautiful melody by Gluck on his Guarnerius violin in the middle of a busy Paris subway station. Most people rushing by didn't even notice who he was!
The French government has also honored him. In 2011, he was made a "Chevalier" (Knight) of the National Order of Merit, and in 2016, a "Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur," which are very high honors in France.
Renaud Capuçon also works with modern composers, helping to bring new music to life. He has performed pieces by composers like Nicolas Bacri, Karol Beffa, and Bruno Mantovani.
In 2019, he performed at the "Winter at Tantora" music festival in Al-'Ula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia.
During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, Renaud Capuçon was one of the few people to attend a special service at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. The cathedral was still being rebuilt after a big fire. He played his violin, providing the only music for the service.
In 2020, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace, recognizing his efforts to promote peace through music.
Personal Life
Renaud Capuçon has been with journalist Laurence Ferrari since 2008. They got married on July 3, 2009, and have a son named Elliott, born in 2010. His brother, Gautier Capuçon, is also a well-known cellist.
Discography
Renaud Capuçon has recorded many albums, showcasing his talent in various classical pieces. Here are some of his notable recordings:
- He recorded works by Franz Schubert, including "Grand duo" and "Fantaisie."
- He performed French pieces for violin and orchestra by composers like Camille Saint-Saëns and Maurice Ravel.
- He recorded Henri Dutilleux's "Concerto pour violon L’arbre des songes."
- He often records with his brother, Gautier Capuçon, including duos for violin and cello and trios by Johannes Brahms and Franz Schubert.
- He has recorded violin concertos by Mendelssohn and Schumann with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.
- He also recorded Ludwig van Beethoven's "Triple concerto" with Martha Argerich and Mischa Maisky.
- His discography includes works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alban Berg, and Béla Bartók.
- He has also recorded new music, such as "Le Roi qui n'aimait pas la musique" by Karol Beffa.
See also
In Spanish: Renaud Capuçon para niños
