Un organiste, comme les autres ?
Vincent Thévenaz is an eclectic musician: attracted by all forms of artistic expression, he learned to play the organ (with François Delor) as well as the piano (with Catherine Courvoisier), he studied musical theory and musicology, and also practiced conducting. On top of that, he has learned many foreign languages – he speaks six of them – and studied literature (University of Geneva und Lausanne).
Vincent Thévenaz is Professor for organ and improvisation at the Conservatoire of Geneva and Titular Organist in Chêne (Geneva). He often performs around Switzerland and abroad. He plays in solo as well as with various formations and conductors (Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Orchestre de Chambre de Genève, Ensemble Contrechamps, Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne, Heinz Holliger, Michel Corboz, Lawrence Foster, Marek Janowski, Antonio Pappano...). He likes combining the organ with various other instruments in chamber music ensembles : saxophone, drums and even alphorn. He has premiered several works and encourages composers to write for his instrument. As a musicologist, he interprets the music he plays in the light of ancient writings. He regularly plays the continuo, notably with the baroque ensemble Gli Angeli Genève (Bach’s complete cantatas). Last but not least, Vincent Thévenaz improvises on the organ in liturgical context and in concert, as well as on the piano when he plays French songs or accompanies mute films.
He recorded many CDs : German baroque cantatas with ensemble Gli Angeli Genève for Sony Classical (Editor’s choice of Gramophone, 2nd CD to be released in 2009), a CD of Duo W (saxophone and organ), 2 CDs with Jozsef Molnar, alphorn for Disque Office and several independant recordings. He was aired on various radio and TV channels (Radio Suisse Romande la Première, Espace 2, Télévision Suisse Romande, France Musique, Radio Cité, Radio Chablais among others).
In 2001, he founded a company, La compagnie de quat’sous, with which he produced and directed several shows (from opera to French songs). In 2005, he founded and directed the Orchestre Buissonnier, an orchestra of young musicians which performs regularly around Geneva. He prepares for 2009-2010 in Chêne-Bougeries (GE) the complete organ works played in 14 concerts with associated works.
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