Francois Salque

Biography

François Salque is recognized today as one of the most remarkable musicians of his generation. His musical depth and his eclecticism have made him an essential personality in the world of cello and chamber music. A graduate of Yale University and the Paris Conservatory, François Salque won awards in the biggest international competitions (Geneva, Tchaikovsky, Munich, Rostropovitch, Rose, etc.) at a very young age. "The sensitivity and nobility of his playing" combined with "charisma and exceptional virtuosity" (Pierre Boulez) enabled him to win no less than 10 first prizes and as many special prizes. He counts among his masters, Janos Starker, Paul Tortelier, Philippe Muller and Michel Strauss.

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His concerts have already taken him to more than sixty countries and he has performed as a soloist with formations such as the Orchester de la Radio de Munich, the Orchester de la Suisse Romande, the Orchester de Monte-Carlo, the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the Camerata of Saint-Petersburg, the Baltic Chamber Orchestra as well as many French orchestras. His recordings as a soloist and in chamber music with Vincent Peirani, Paul Meyer, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage and Alexandre Tharaud have been widely acclaimed by the press (Diapasons d'Or de l'année, Chocs du Monde de la Music, 10 de Répertoire, Citizen jazz, Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros, Chocs de Classica, Victoires de la Musique, Palme d'Or from the BBC, etc.). François Salque has also signed seven remarkable records with the Ysaye quartet, of which he was  for five years the cellist. His commitment to the music of our time has earned him numerous dedications, notably from Thierry Escaich, Bruno Mantovani, Karol Beffa, Krystof Maratka, Jean-François Zygel, Nicolas Bacri. He is also at the origin of several creations, mixing contemporary inspirations and traditional music.