Programme

L. Beretta (1518 – 1572)                       Canzon a Quattro

S. Song                                 Canzon’s Adventure

F. Chopin (1810 – 1849)                       Valse brillante op. 34 no. 2

M. von Weinzierl (1841 – 1898)           Nachtstück for 4 Violas op. 34

L. van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)          Trio op. 87                                                              

B. Bartók (1881 – 1945)                       La Mouche for 3 Violas

(arr. J.P. Peuvion)

Y. Bowen (1884 – 1961)                       Fantasie Quartet for 4 Violas

H. Waelput (1845 – 1885)                    Andante cantabile

J. Jongen (1873 – 1953)                       Deux pieces pour 4 Violas                                                               

Pierre-Henri Xuereb is a French violist who also performs on the viola d’amore. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Serge Collot and later continued his training in the United States with viola masters such as Lillian Fuchs and William Primrose, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Boston. At the age of 21 he became principal viola of the Ensemble Intercontemporain under the direction of Pierre Boulez. Since 1989, Pierre Henri has been a professor at the famous Paris Conservatoire and at the Royal Conservatory, Liège, and he regularly gives master classes around the world. He has collaborated with many distinguished conductors, has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, and has recorded more than 80 CDs. He is also the artistic director of ‘La fête de l’alto’ in Lasalle (Cévennes) and the founder of the Primrose Ensemble dedicated to the viola. Many composers have dedicated works to him, and he regularly serves on the juries of prestigious international competitions.

Noémie Airiau-Gauguier graduated from the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP) in viola and from the Lyon Conservatoire (CNSMD) in pedagogy. Passionate about chamber music, she performs in a wide range of ensembles, from trio to octet. She is a founding member of the Ensemble Art&Muses (flute, viola and harp), for which she created five arrangements published by Klarthe. She also collaborates with various Parisian orchestras, participates in film music recordings, and regularly contributes to the albums of jazz musician Jean-My Truong. She serves as Secretary General of the French branch of ESTA (European String Teachers Association) and participates each year in organising the French Competition for Young Violists. Noémie is also involved in the training of future teachers by supervising internships for students preparing for the Diplôme d’État (CNSMDP, PSPBB). Holding the Diplôme d’État in violin and the Certificat d’Aptitude in viola, she teaches both disciplines at the Conservatoire Maurice Ravel, Levallois-Perret.

Ruixin Niu, viola professor at the Conservatoire de Maubeuge, holds an interdisciplinary PhD from the University of Maine, USA, a Master’s degree in viola from the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, and a Master’s degree in pedagogy with distinction from the Royal Conservatory of Liège. She regularly substitutes as principal viola with the Orchestre Lamoureux, Paris. Ruixin has participated in the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy, Japan, was a recipient of a scholarship from the Fontainebleau Schools of Music and was also a trainee with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Liège. She has previously served as a teaching assistant at the University of Maine and has participated in recordings for the labels Continuo Classics and Indésens Calliope. Ruixin has participated in the Victoria International Arts Festival on numerous occasions. Her performances have always had glowing critical acclaim, praised for their warmth of tone and sensitive musicianship.

Camille Coello is a violist and violinist who graduated from the famous Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP). She is passionate about the contemporary repertoire and musical creativity. She is a member of the collective Le Petit Tambour and performs with the Duo Gramma, with which she has premiered works by A. Markeas and F. Vallet. In 2024 she participated as a chamber musician in the premiere of the opera Otages by S. Rivas, presented during the Biennale des Musiques Exploratoires organised by Centre Gramme and the Opéra National de Lyon. Interested in mixed music, she has performed ‘Animus II’ by L. Francesconi with RIM François Longo. Camille regularly performs with ensembles such as 2e2m, Le Balcon, and Le Seuil Musical. She is frequently invited to play with the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie and has appeared as principal viola with the Orchestre de Douai. Last year she joined the ensemble Miroirs Étendus.