High quality instruments…
Talents & Violon’celles promotes cultural and musical heritage by building up a collection of instruments that is unique in France. It is bringing together old instruments that are loaned or donated, and new instruments, commissioned from the very best French violin makers that are financed by our foundation’s partners and donors.
… for talented young people
The violins, violas and cellos come to life under the fingers of the young musicians to whom they are loaned for two years, (renewable): in this way, these promising artists can pursue their progression by playing on instruments of great value, which they would not have the means to do without the intervention of Talents & Violon’celles.
The gift of passing on
Three converging ambitions – patrimonial, social and cultural – drive this original project. These three components, shared by young musicians, craftsmen and donors, are a source of excellence. Involving exceptional instruments, some of which are already old and others new and destined to live for several centuries, a chain of transmission is being put into place that promises to be immemorial, from master to pupil, from experienced violin maker to aspiring violin maker, from lender or donor to musician. Each actor in this passing on process has the privilege of experiencing the emotion and happiness of the helper or temporary custodian, a modest cog in a musical destiny that reaches beyond him.
Talents & Violon’celles was founded in 2010 based on an observation by Raphaël Pidoux, with the enthusiasm of Frédérique Pusey, the managerial experience of François-Xavier Anscutter and the expertise of Arnaud Blanchet. Initially focused on cellos and cellists, the association was joined in 2018 by violinist Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabédian and has since devoted itself to all three instruments that make up the string quartet (violin, viola and cello). Today, Talents & Violon’celles manages a collection of over 60 instruments, 50 of which are on loan. It has supported more than 100 talented young musicians since its inception.
Talents & Violon’celles is a foundation of general interest recognised by the French tax authorities. The donations it receives are eligible for tax deductions, thus enabling a generous project to bear fruit.