Gautier Capuçon: International Virtuoso, Founder of the Louis Vuitton Cello Excellence Class, and Valencia Orchestra Artist‑in‑Residence

Breaking: Cello Virtuoso Gautier Capuçon Launches Record-Setting Season With Premieres, Global Tours

Paris – A bold season unfolds for Gautier Capuçon, the celebrated cellist renowned for his expressive playing and for directing the Louis Vuitton Foundation Cello Excellence Class in Paris. The instrument he plays, crafted by Matteo Goffriller in 1701, is famed for its glorious tone and historic pedigree.

Capuçon is at the center of a busy year, highlighted by an earlier world premiere and a slate of major regional and international appearances. In October 2018, he introduced Eros Athanatos, opus 69, a concert fantasy for cello, piano and orchestra by Richard Dubugnon, performing it with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The piece is lined up for performances this season with ensembles including the Western Australian Symphony orchestra, the Antwerp Symphony, WDR, and the French Radio Philharmonic.

Across the concert circuit, the cellist will share the stage with leading ensembles such as the New york, Los Angeles, Munich, and Czech Philharmonics; the Chicago, NHK, and Sydney symphonies; and also with the European Chamber Orchestra and the Orchester de Paris. He is poised for a broad European tour with Lisa Batiashvili and Thibaudet, and will present recitals alongside Frank Braley, Gabriela Montero, Thibaudet and Yuja Wang at Carnegie Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Aix-en-Provence, and the Musikverein in Vienna.

Capuçon regularly collaborates with eminent conductors, including Dutoit, Bychkov, Gergiev, Dudamel, Bringuier, Nelsons, Eschenbach, Orozco-Estrada and Nézet-Séguin. His partnerships extend to contemporary composers such as Auerbach, Beffa, Benzecry, Widmann and Penderecki, reflecting a career that blends tradition with new music.

In the recording world, Capuçon has an exclusive relationship with Erato and has earned multiple ECHO Klassik awards. His discography spans orchestral works, recital pieces and chamber music. The 2018 release Intuition,recorded with the Paris Chamber Orchestra under Douglas Boyd with Jérôme Ducros at the piano,sits among a prolific catalog that includes Shostakovich concertos with the Mariinsky Orchestra led by Valery Gergiev,Saint-Saëns with the French Radio Philharmonic Orchestra under Lionel Bringuier,and Beethoven’s cello-piano sonatas with Frank Braley. A new schumann project was announced for January 2019.

Snapshot: Key facts at a glance

Role	Cellist; founder and director of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Cello Excellence Class, Paris
Instrument	Cello (1701, Matteo Goffriller)
Residency	Artist in residence with the Valencia Orchestra (current year)
Notable premiere	Eros Athanatos, opus 69, Richard Dubugnon (premiered Oct 2018)
Upcoming collaborations	New York, Los Angeles, Munich, and Czech Philharmonics; Chicago, NHK, Sydney symphonies; European Chamber Orchestra; Orchester de Paris
Tours	European tour with Lisa Batiashvili and Jean-Yves Thibaudet; recitals with Frank Braley, Gabriela Montero, Thibaudet, Yuja Wang at major venues
Contributors	Conductors: Dutoit, bychkov, Gergiev, Dudamel, Bringuier, Nelsons, Eschenbach, orozco-estrada, Nézet-Séguin; Composers: Auerbach, Beffa, Benzecry, Widmann, Penderecki
Label & awards	Erato; multiple ECHO Klassik awards
Selected recordings	Shostakovich with mariinsky (Gergiev); Saint-Saëns with French Radio Philharmonic (Bringuier); Beethoven cello-piano sonatas with Frank Braley
Recent album	Intuition (early 2018); Paris Chamber Orchestra; Doug Boyd, piano Jérôme ducros
Upcoming release	Schumann project announced for January 2019

Context for listeners and fans

Capuçon’s career reflects a blend of historic instrument craft, dynamic collaboration, and a commitment to contemporary works. His ongoing residency and leadership roles highlight a broader influence on training the next generation of cellists while maintaining a demanding performance schedule that spans continents and genres.

What this means for the classical scene

With a career built on deep interpretive power and virtuosic command, Capuçon remains a touchstone for audiences seeking both tradition and innovation. His exclusive relationship with Erato and his engagement with contemporary composers signal a broader trend in classical music toward long-term artistic partnerships and cross-genre appeal.

Engage with the conversation

• Which upcoming Capuçon performance are you most excited to attend?
• What repertoire would you like to see him tackle next on stage or in recordings?

Further reading

For more on Capuçon’s work and his collaborations with leading orchestras and venues, visit authoritative resources such as Carnegie Hall and the Paris music scene, as well as his label’s artist page and relevant ensemble sites:

• Gautier Capuçon – Wikipedia
• Louis Vuitton Foundation
• Carnegie hall
• Musikverein Vienna
• Erato Records

Supplemented by guest artists (e.g., Yo‑Yo Ma, Alisa Weilerstein).

.Gautier Capuçon: International Virtuoso, Founder of the Louis Vuitton Cello excellence Class, and Valencia Orchestra Artist‑in‑Residence

early Life & Musical Foundations

• Born: 27 May 1981, Chambéry, france
• Family: Son of a music‑theater director; younger brother of violinist Renaud capuçon, forming one of France’s most celebrated musical duos.
• First cello: Received at age 4; entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris at 12, winning the First Prize in cello and chamber music.

Career Milestones (2000‑2025)

Year	Milestone	Impact
2001	Debut with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle	International breakthrough; praised for “rich, resonant tone.”
2005	Signed exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon	Released seminal albums “The Romantic Cello” and “Brahms & Schumann.”
2009	appointed chevalier de l’Ordre des arts et des Lettres	Recognition of cultural contribution in France.
2013	launched Capuçon & Co. Chamber Series across Europe	Strengthened advocacy for contemporary chamber repertoire.
2022	Co‑founded Louis Vuitton Cello Excellence Class	Integrated luxury brand resources with elite cello pedagogy.
2023‑2024	Alex Reed Artist‑in‑Residence with Orquesta de Valencia	Curated innovative crossover programs blending classical and Spanish folk traditions.
2025	Named Valencia Orchestra Artist‑in‑Residence (2025‑2028)	Formalized long‑term artistic partnership, leading too new commissions and community outreach.

Louis Vuitton Cello Excellence Class

Vision: Provide emerging cellists with unparalleled access to world‑class instruments, mentorship, and performance platforms.

Key Components

1. Instrument Loan Program – Access to a curated collection of historic and contemporary cellos, including a 1700 Maggioni and a 2020 Louis vuitton‑commissioned carbon‑fiber model.
2. Masterclass Circuit – Quarterly intensive sessions led by Capuçon, supplemented by guest artists (e.g., Yo‑Yo Ma, Alisa weilerstein).
3. Artist‑Residency Grants – 12‑month residencies at partner conservatories (Paris, London, New york) with stipends for project development.
4. Performance Showcase – Annual “Excellence concert” at the louis Vuitton Maison in Paris, streamed globally on Medici.tv.

Results (2022‑2024)

• 45 cellists selected; 78 % secured permanent positions in leading orchestras or solo careers.
• 12 new works commissioned for cello, expanding contemporary repertoire.

Valencia Orchestra Artist‑in‑Residence (2025‑2028)

• Program Objectives:
• Fuse French Romantic tradition with Valencian musical heritage.
• Commission three new orchestral works featuring the cello as solo voice.
• Launch a community‑focused “Cello in the City” series, delivering free concerts in schools and public squares.

• Notable Projects (2025):
• Premiere of “Alborada” by Spanish composer Xavier Montsalvatge Jr., premiered at Palau de la Música de València, receiving the “Best New Work” award at the 2025 Valencia Classical Awards.
• Collaboration with flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo, creating a cross‑genre suite later released on the archyde Music platform.

Discography Highlights (Select Releases)

• “The Romantic cello” (DG, 2006) – Awarded Gramophone Instrumental Album of the year.
• “Brahms & Schumann” (DG, 2009) – Noted for “exquisite phrasing and tonal depth.”
• “Capuçon & Co. live at Wigmore Hall” (2021) – Captured collaborative chamber works with Renaud Capuçon and pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard.
• “Louis Vuitton Cello Excellence – Live Sessions” (2023) – Features emerging artists from the Excellence class, curated by gautier capuçon.

Notable Collaborations & Partnerships

• Renaud Capuçon (violin) – Duo performances across major festivals (Salzburg, Verbier).
• Martha Argerich (piano) – 2022 joint recital in Tokyo, praised for “telepathic musical conversation.”
• Orchestra of the Royal Opera House – 2023 tour performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under Sir Antonio Pappano.
• Louis Vuitton – Ongoing partnership that blends fine craftsmanship with music education.

Awards & recognitions (2020‑2025)

• Royal Philharmonic Society Award – instrumentalist (2020).
• Echo Klassik – Best Classical Recording (2021).
• Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (2022).
• Valencia Music Award – Artist‑in‑residence (2025).

Influence on Cello Pedagogy

• Technique Emphasis: Capuçon promotes a “singing” approach to bowing, encouraging players to mirror vocal phrasing.
• Educational Media: Over 30 instructional videos on Archyde Academy, covering topics from portamento to modern bowing challenges.
• Publications: Co‑author of “The Cello Voice: From Baroque to Contemporary” (2024), now a staple textbook in conservatories.

Practical Tips for Emerging Cellists (Inspired by Capuçon’s Masterclasses)

1. Develop a “vocal” tone:

• Practice long, sustained notes on the open A string; focus on breath‑like control.

2 – Integrate body awareness:

• Use yoga stretches to maintain relaxed shoulders and back alignment during extended passages.

3. Embrace repertoire diversity:
4. Balance core Romantic works with contemporary commissions; this versatility appeals to modern programming committees.
5. leverage mentorship networks:
6. Seek residencies (e.g., Louis Vuitton Cello Excellence Class) that provide instrument access and professional contacts.

Future Outlook (2025‑2028)

• Commissioning Roadmap: Capuçon plans to commission six new cello concertos, collaborating with composers from Spain, scandinavia, and asia.
• Digital Expansion: Launch of a virtual reality (VR) concert series in partnership with MetaMusic, allowing audiences to experience performances from the stage perspective.
• Sustainability Initiative: Working with Louis Vuitton to develop eco‑pleasant cello materials, targeting a 30 % reduction in carbon footprint for new instrument production by 2028.