Call for Applications: « Piano Masterclass with François-Frédéric Guy »
Présentation
To close out 2024, BLGF is launching a series of three themed masterclasses led by distinguished experts: François-Frédéric Guy, Bertrand Chamayou, and Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Each session will wrap up with a masterclass open to the public. The series kicks off with François-Frédéric Guy, renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven’s works.
Inspired by the prestigious collections of pianists at the BLGF (Cortot, Long, Lefébure, Helffer…), these workshops will combine practical lessons on the BLGF’s 1907 Steinway with musicological discussions, offering a fresh approach to sources and interpretation. Registration is now open for the first masterclass with François-Frédéric Guy.
Learn more about François-Frédéric Guy
François-Frédéric Guy, internationally renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven’s works, will lead the first workshop, guiding five young pianists in their own exploration of the Sonatas or Concertos. Beyond technical considerations, he will share his art of interpretation, which combines boldness and respect for the text. A visit to the Music Department of the BnF will also allow the workshop participants to view Beethoven’s original manuscripts preserved there. A public meeting will be held on the final day of the workshop.
This series of interpretation workshops marks a new era of mutual support in learning from renowned artists, rich with discoveries.
These thematic interpretation workshops highlight the wealth and diversity of the BLGF’s pianist collection, reflecting the library’s commitment to supporting young professional pianists.
This initiative is made possible with the generous support of Aline Foriel-Destezet.
The BLGF Steinway Piano
Built in 1907, this Steinway piano was played by numerous performers at the residence of the Singer-Polignac family and later by musicologist Henry-Louis de La Grange. It underwent a complete restoration in 2021 by the Balleron workshops (Sylvie Fouanon and Marion Laisné). Since its return, the piano has been installed in the Mahler Salon, where it is made available to artists for concerts and recordings, as well as for training and rehearsal sessions offered to artists hosted at the BLGF.
A Steinway ½ grand piano and an upright piano will be made available to professionals.
Schedule and Instructors
- November 10-14, 2024
- At the Piano with François-Frédéric Guy: « Beethoven, Sonatas & Concertos »
- March 31-April 4, 2025
- At the Piano with Bertrand Chamayou: « Ravel »
- December 1-4, 2025
- At the Piano with Pierre-Laurent Aimard: « Boulez and His Inspirations »
Participant
Each workshop will host 5 pianists – applicants can apply for the entire series or for individual workshops of their choice.
Timetable
Classes will be held between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., with a 30-minute break in the afternoon. These times are indicative.
A public workshop will take place on the last day of each session at 6 p.m.
A detailed schedule will be provided for each workshop, which may include a presentation of the BLGF’s collections, a visit to the Music Department of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and musicological discussions.
Registration Details: Selection Process
Please complete the attached form: Form
Required documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Video submission
Application period: September 13 – October 15, 2024.
Selected candidates will be announced on October 21, 2024.
Fee Structure
The financial contribution required from participants includes:
- €150 (incl. VAT): registration fee (€125 excluding VAT)
- €25 membership fee to the Royaumont Libraries (François-Lang Music Library and La Grange-Fleuret Library). Membership is valid for one year.
BLGF covers:
- All educational costs (instructors, instruments) for the duration of the workshop.
- Lunches (midday meals) provided at the Library.
Participants are responsible for:
- Travel expenses (home – Paris – home) and accommodation costs in Paris during the workshop.
Duration of the Masterclass: From Sunday, November 10 to Thursday, November 14, 2024 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Location: La Grange-Fleuret Music Library, 11 bis rue de Vézelay, 75008 Paris.
Photo François-Frédéric Guy ; crédits : Lyodoh Kaneko