mind boggoling technique and supreme velvety tone,
A giant of the brass world representing France
Michel Becquet , Trombone
Born on February 4, 1954, in Limoges, France, his exquisite performance, sharp sensitivity, and unique timbre have earned him worldwide acclaim as one of the most outstanding performers of the French school.
He learned to play the piano and horn from an early age, and at the age of 10, he picked up the trombone at the recommendation of his father, a professional horn player, and soon became passionate about it. After studying at the Limoges Conservatoire for several years, he entered the Conservatory of Music in Paris at the age of 15, graduating at an exceptionally early stage. Since then, he has won numerous international competitions such as those in Geneva, Munich, Prague, and Toulon.
At the age of 18, Wolfgang Sawallisch appointed him principal player of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and a few years later, he joined the Paris Opera Orchestra. In 1989, in order to dedicate himself to teaching and creative activities, he retired from the Paris Opera Orchestra and began teaching at the Cologne University of Music.
In 1972, he founded the Paris Trombone Quartet with Jacques Fulquet, Alain Manfranc, and Gilles Millière, and has performed a wide range of trombone pieces, from spectacular masterpieces to lesser-known works, garnering attention worldwide. In 1990, Gilbert Amii recommended him for the position of head of the Department of Brass Instruments at the French National Conservatoire. In 1989, he also served as the leader of the Cuible Français (French brass ensemble), founded by 18 of the finest musicians, establishing itself as the most prestigious ensemble of the French brass school. While teaching at the Conservatoire National de Lyon, his dedicated students from the trombone class and fellow performers formed the "Ensemble Octobone," consisting of 8 trombones, 1 tuba, and 2 percussion instruments.
He currently holds professorships at the Lyon Conservatoire and the Lausanne Conservatory.