Call for Applications: « Piano Masterclass with François-Frédéric Guy »

Présentation

To close out 2024, the BLGF is launching a series of three thematic interpretation workshops led by François-Frédéric Guy, Bertrand Chamayou, and Pierre-Laurent Aimard, aimed at young professional pianists.

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. The series will be inaugurated by François-Frédéric Guy, renowned especially for his interpretations of Beethoven’s works.

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.