La Chapelle Harmonique - Valentin Tournet Concert

Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the profound impact of the film Tous les matins du monde on the life of Valentin Tournet. This concert pays tribute to the founding shock that sparked a lifelong passion for music and shaped his remarkable career.

Valentin Tournet first encountered the film’s evocative soundtrack at the tender age of four, igniting a deep connection with the haunting timbre of the viola da gamba. This early fascination, fueled by a musical upbringing with a guitarist father and a music-loving mother, led to a devoted pursuit of mastering the instrument. Valentin's journey was not merely technical but deeply sensitive, as he sought to capture the emotional essence of the music, much like the iconic interpretations of Jordi Savall.

Immerse yourself in a performance that transcends musicological constraints, blending historical authenticity with a unique theatrical flair. Valentin channels the complex psyches of characters like Sainte-Colombe and Marin Marais, offering a deeply personal interpretation that honors the original soundtrack's spirit while exploring new expressive horizons.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness Valentin Tournet's heartfelt homage to the film and music that profoundly influenced his life and artistry.

Find out more about La Chapelle Harmonique here.

Duration: 60 minutes with no intermission

Immersed in a musical environment since his birth in 1996, Valentin Tournet began playing the viola da gamba at the age of 5. He quickly became passionate about this instrument which he studied first at the Conservatories of Issy-les- Moulineaux and Cergy-Pontoise (2001-2012), then at the Conservatories of Brussels and Paris (2014-2018) with Christophe Coin and Philippe Pierlot. He also receives advice from Jordi Savall. His work and his passion for his instrument allow him to be the first violist named in the Revelations of the Victoires de la Musique Classique in 2022.

His discovery of the orchestra at the Paris Opera within the Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine (2007-2010) gave rise to his passion for conducting, which he learned from Pierre Cao. At

the same time, he met Philippe Herreweghe, who invited him to follow his work within his various ensembles.

In 2017, he founded the ensemble La Chapelle Harmonique which brings together a choir and an orchestra playing on period instruments. With this ensemble, he approaches the oratorios of Bach, Handel and the incidental music of Rameau with a view to returning to the original texts, aesthetic and stylistic questions, while remaining part of our times.

Valentin Tournet and La Chapelle Harmonique made their debut at the Beaune Festival and the Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles (Les Indes galantes by Rameau, 2019), at the Auditorium de Radio-France and at the Saint-Denis Festival ( Handel's Messiah, 2019, 2021). They also benefited from a residency at the Auvers-sur-Oise Festival (2018-2021) and engaged in multidisciplinary chamber music creations at the Louvre Museum. Anxious to irrigate the Creuse region where Alain Corneau's famous film All the mornings of the world was filmed, Valentin Tournet founded the Musique à la source Festival in 2019, wishing to meet new audiences and provide local populations with a repertoire little present until now in this region, while highlighting its historical and architectural heritage.

His recordings appear under the Palace of Versailles label. The first, dedicated to Bach's Magnificat and Cantatas for Christmas, was published in 2019, followed by Indes galantes (2021), the first complete set of Paladins by Rameau, Motets by Bach (2022) and Te Deum by Charpentier (2023). The release of Platée is planned for 2025, in this same collection.

“The young conductor and founder of La Chapelle Harmonique is one of the rising stars of baroque music in France. » Thierry Hillériteau (Le Figaro, 2019)

« King of the viola da gamba and conductor at 23, Valentin Tournet is the new prodigy of the baroque. » André Tubeuf (Le Point, 2019)

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 7:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.

Credits: This event is organized by the Institut Français USA - Villa Albertine and the Resources USA Foundation. Resources USA Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting collaboration between the US and France to encourage Innovation in Science, Technology, Culture, and Higher Education. Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity for our events at Maison Française, whether it's a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, or part of a matching gifts program. Please contact us for contributions exceeding $250.

Host or Publisher Villa Albertine Washington DC