Ensemble Astera wins award in Copenhagen
Ensemble Astera wins first prize and the special prize for the best performance of a new work at the prestigious Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition.
The Ensemble is made up of Coline Richard (flute), Yann Thenet (oboe), Gabriel Potier (horn), Moritz Roelcke (clarinet) and Jeremy Bager (bassoon), all former students of the Haute Ecole de Musique de Lausanne. As soon as they finished their studies, they gathered from all over Europe to form this ensemble and share their common passion for chamber music. Their different personal experiences have enriched their cohesion, sound and musical affinity within the wind quintet.
They work with prestigious orchestras such as the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich, the Orchestre National de Lille, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.
According to Andreas Sundén (jury president and principal clarinet of the Swedish Radio Orchestra), "The sound of this ensemble is refined and precise. The sound of this ensemble is refined and precise. With a balanced energy, convincing both as a group and individually, this quintet's playing is full of reflection and deep expression for the composer."
The Carl Nielsen Chamber Music Competitionheld every four years, is aimed at young string quartets and wind quintets. After video pre-selection, the competition takes place in three rounds, with ensembles presenting a commissioned work specially composed for the competition, in addition to a wide-ranging repertoire.
