Marie Cantagrill International Violin Competition
One of Marie Cantagrill's big projects to support young talents : the "Marie Cantagrill International Violin Competition"
The competition welcomes every year many young and talented violinists coming from the best Music Schools, Hochschules, Conservatories of France, Europe (Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium...) and even much further (Bangladesh, Venezuela, Russia, Korea, China, Japan ...).
It is is open to all levels (from Beginners to Excellence levels), to all nationalities and all countries and is designed to create an emulation, that is a dynamic fit to stimulate the arising of new talents. This «musical encounter» gives to all a chance to discover new interpretations, technics and also profit of wise and professional advices, all of that in an atmosphere of conviviality and sharing.
The 1st prize winners of each category are invited to come back in October to play as soloists with the Ariege Chamber Orchestra during the competition's prize winners concert.
A great event and opportunity for those young musicians and a beautiful and unique moment also for the numerous audience coming to discover these talents.
Public Reharsals
In 2012, Marie Cantagrill also had the idea of creating “Les Répétitions Publiques” with the OCA (Orchestre de Chambre d'Ariège).
It's a simple principle, yet one that's quite rare, especially in certain geographical areas: to offer rehearsals open to the public, entirely free of charge, during which everyone can discover the high-level work of a soloist and an orchestra by going a little “behind the scenes” in the preparation of a concert. Public rehearsals also enable the public to familiarize themselves with the works and composers, and thus understand them a little better afterwards.
Open House with Marie Cantagrill: How do we register a CD?
In this same spirit of sharing and with this deep desire to make classical music known to all, Marie even opened the doors of the recording of her Album “Complete Bach Sonatas no. 2 and 3 for solo violin” to the public at the end of 2013.
A unique moment for the audience: thus, during an exceptional “Portes-ouvertes” session, the public was able to attend the recording of a piece from her album, and there too see behind the scenes the work of an artist recording a CD, better understanding how a sound recording works, a record company...
Supporting great and important causes and charity events
As patron of the “Y arrivarem” association (which supports and organizes outings for people with disabilities), Marie Cantagrill is personally committed to this cause. But she doesn't forget to support many others, such as ASEI...
She frequently gives concerts in aid of various associations (Y Arrivarem, Caritas, Téléthon, La lutte contre l'Autisme, Illetrisme, ASEI, Lutte contre le Cancer...).
Masterclasses and Pedagogy
Through her “Masterclasses with Marie Cantagrill”, she offers young violinists the chance to benefit from her lessons and invaluable advice several times a year.
She is also particularly committed to developing access to culture and classical music in France, and especially in her native Midi-Pyrénées region.
So, keen to bring classical music to people who don't yet have access to it, Marie regularly takes part in educational projects on her own or with the Orchestre de Chambre d'Ariège (OCA), of which she is artistic director, and she also chooses, in the midst of her tours, to play in atypical venues and in towns that are sometimes unaccustomed to classical music.
Artist in Residence
An artist of her time, Marie Cantagrill is keen to promote contemporary composers. Numerous composers have written works for her, which she has performed as “1ère Mondiale” at Concerts Evènements.
In 2014, Marie is offering a brand new way of introducing these contemporary composers and soloists to the world, by taking part, with the support of the Conseil Général de l'Ariège, in Artist Residencies followed by concerts. These residencies include free public rehearsals for students of music schools and conservatories, as well as lectures on the work and its development, in the presence of the composer.