The competition
Created in 2015 by Stradivaria - Orchestre baroque de Nantes, the International Early Music Competition in Loire Valley is a biennial competition dedicated to instrumental ensembles, performing 17th and 18th centuries' repertoire on period instruments. Its aim is to promote ensembles of young musicians who specialise in this particular repertoire.
At the invitation of Daniel Cuiller, Artistic Director at Stradivaria - Ensemble baroque de Nantes, every year, international and French personalities recognized on the early music scene figure among the jury. Programmers, researchers, directors of early music departments, artists, journalists... Up to now, William Christie, Founder and Artistic Director of Les Arts Florissants chairs the jury.
Financially aided from its first edition in 2015 by the Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire, the City of Nantes and the City of Angers, this unique event in France takes place at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and at the Conservatory of Music in Nantes, the 22th and 23th may 2024.
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This competition aims at young musicians under 30 years old. It attracts by its unique educational goal allowing young musicians to be spotted, to start a career, and engage a new audience. The competition ambition is to become a tool to facilitate exchange and knowledge transmission between generations.
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Stradivaria wish to create a springboard dedicated to instrumental music only, excluding any vocal practice, thus guaranteeing its singularity.
Stradivaria - ORCHESTRE BAROQUE DE NANTES specializes in the musical repertoires of the 17th and 18th centuries performed on period instruments.
Founded in 1987 by violinist Daniel Cuiller, a pioneer of the Baroque revolution, Stradivaria's project revolves around research into French Baroque music in particular. This work has naturally led to numerous recordings acclaimed by international critics.
The artistic direction, now entrusted to Guillaume Cuiller, oboist, explores new repertoires and accentuates the territorial dynamics initiated since 2005 in the Nantes and Loire regions.
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In 2022, Stradivaria inaugurated les apartés, chamber music concerts by candlelight, and concerts with commentary for schoolchildren and remote audiences.
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