La Chapelle Harmonique – Valentin Tournet in Concert

Valentin Tournet first encountered Tous les matins du monde‘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

Valentin Tournet

Immersed in a musical environment since his birth in 1996, Valentin Tournet began playing the viola da gamba at the age of five. He quickly developed a passion for the 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. His work and his passion for the instrument led him to become 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. 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 then in the 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.

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.