The thirtieth Victories of Classical Music celebrated, Wednesday 1is march, the “Victory Generation”awarding mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti the title of opera singer of the year and pianist Bertrand Chamayou that of instrumental soloist.
“Thirty years make it possible to reveal and follow the young talents discovered at the Victoires”underlined the president of the event, Marc Voinchet, also director of France Musique.
“Revelations are the real engine of Victories: introducing young artists to the general public gives this program its full meaning”underlined the violinist Renaud Capuçon, who had first been rewarded as a revelation at the Victoires before winning the trophy for instrumental soloist of the year.
“We must take advantage of these thirty years to support an entire generation that firmly believes in what it is doing despite the difficulties”in particular the soaring energy costs which weigh on performance halls, added Marc Voinchet.
To mark the anniversary, a best of the best moments of the Victories was presented at the end of the ceremony, held in the“one of the most beautiful halls in Europe”according to Mr. Voinchet, the Dijon auditorium, with 1,640 seats.
The consecration of a generation
“It means a lot to me the recognition of my country”declared the Franco-Swiss Marina Viotti receiving her trophy during a ceremony broadcast live on France 3 and France Musique, and set to music by the Dijon Bourgogne Orchestra conducted by Débora Waldman.
The mezzo-soprano, who began opera singing in Vienna in 2011, quickly established herself on the international scene in demanding roles, such as Rosina (The Barber of Seville) at the Bolshoi and at the Opéra du Rhin, La Périchole at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Alceste at the Opéra de Rome… She will take her first steps this season at the Opéra Bastille under the guise of Stéphano in Romeo and Juliet de Gounod.
“It is an immense happiness after the four Victories already received”declared Bertrand Chamayou, elected instrumental soloist of the year.
The multiple pianist with a vast repertoire, both chamber musician and great defender of contemporary music, remains a coveted guest of the illustrious festivals of Lucerne, Edinburgh, Salzburg and La Roque d’Anthéron, or even the Mostly Mozart in New York, the Beethovenfest Bonn and the Klavier-Festival Ruhr.
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As for the revelations, soprano Alexandra Marcellier was crowned in the lyrical artist category, cellist Aurélien Pascal as instrumental soloist, and Victor Jacob, tied with Lucie Leguay, as conductor.
Fabien Waksman received the composer trophy for The Island of Time, concerto for accordion and symphony orchestra.