Orchestre d’Auvergne
Occupying a special place in the musical landscape of permanent French orchestras, the Orchestre d’Auvergne is a string ensemble whose excellence is recognised well beyond its borders. The distinctive feature of this 21-string ensemble resides in the exceptional stability of its musicians, 5 of them were already present when the ensemble was created in 1981, and 19 of them have been in the orchestra for more than 15 years. All of this in addition to an extremely high quality of work specific to the chamber orchestra, led first of all by Jean-Jacques Kantorow, and then by Arie van Beek, with the participation of some of the best soloists and conductors, whatever the instrument and whatever the generation.
Numerous pages of the history of the ensemble have been marked by an unfailing musical commitment, as much from its musicians, as from its artistic directors, leading to many concert tours and the production of more than 30 CDs whilst at the same time ensuring a faithful partnership for, the musical life of the Auvergne Region and the City of Clermont-Ferrand.
It was Jean-Jacques Kantorow who was the first to truly understand this orchestra and who forged its committed sound and technique, qualities which have always seduced its audiences. A tireless visionary, he led the group to the highest international level, with generosity and high standards, enabling each musician to find his or her path, notably by creating a series of chamber music concerts played by small groups. This practice undoubtedly created the ensemble’s great musical cohesion.
Arie van Beek pursued this vision whilst broadening the orchestra’s musical horizons: a repertoire which he endlessly renewed, ranging from the very early baroque period to the most contemporary, creative productions, from one continent to another, and with a permanent concern for detail and a total respect of the composer and the score.
In the continuity of this spirit of excellence, the young Spanish conductor Roberto Forés Veses was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra in 2012.
All these elements enable us to augur a long and fruitful career for this chamber ensemble, born from the desire for a decentralised cultural policy for classical music, music which it has defended, developed, and led to the highest level since its creation.
