Winner of our Ambassador Programme Open Application

"Elise Bertrand impresses with her remarkable creativity. Her compositions showcase a blend of exceptional musical, technical, and expressive qualities, all contributing to profound and delicately nuanced poetics. Her artistic freedom and creative vigor establish her as a unique and distinctive composer, and certainly, one to watch!"

Born in 2000, Elise Bertrand began playing the piano at the age of 5, the violin at the age of 8, and began composing just three years later. After studying at the CRR in Toulon, Elise went on to obtain her master's degree at the CNSMDP in the class of Roland Daugareil and extended her career in higher writing classes in the same establishment (harmony, counterpoint, etc.). In 2022 she also became Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in the class of Augustin Dumay. 

After studying at the CRR in Toulon, Elise went on to obtain her master's degree at the CNSMDP in the class of Roland Daugareil and extended her career in higher writing classes in the same establishment (harmony, counterpoint, etc.). In 2022 she also became Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in the class of Augustin Dumay. 

She participates in the Academy of Villecroze (2019), in the Seiji Ozawa and International Menuhin Music Academy in the summer of 2021 and 2022, in the Jaroussky Academy (2021 and 2022) in the Tchaikovsky promotion and in the Stauffer Academy of Cremona with Gil Shaham in 2023.

Elise has also won numerous violin, chamber music and composition competitions, including 2nd Prize at the Ginette Neveu International Competition and the Special Prize for the best interpretation of the contemporary piece, in 2019; 1st Prize and Special Prize at the Léopold Bellan International Competition; and in 2022 she was awarded the 1st Prize of the Rotary Club Paris as well as 1st Prize – Honorary Prize at the International Competition for Young Talents in Normandy. 

Her first album "Lettera Amorosa" (on the Klarthe label) around her works is hailed by critics and the press.

Composer

Elise Bertrand

Calling all classical music lovers in Geneva! On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, join us at Victoria Hall in Geneva for ELLES, a special concert celebrating International Women’s Day. In collaboration with the Orchestre des Nations, and under the baton of conductor Antoine Marguier, this evening promises to be a powerful tribute to music, artistry, and the contributions of women in the arts.

This concert is not just a celebration of music but also a journey through diversity and tempo. Breaking away from the traditional format of overture-concerto-symphony, the program is designed to be a dynamic and engaging experience, packed with discoveries and free of longueurs. As Marguier puts it, “This is the place to come to discover classical music.”

We are thrilled to feature several Classeek artists in this performance, each bringing their unique artistry to the stage:

 A rising star in the classical music world, Nour has captivated audiences with her virtuosity and emotional depth. A laureate of the prestigious Prix Cortot and a participant in the 2024–25 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme, Nour’s performances have graced stages from the Musikverein in Vienna to La Seine Musicale in Paris.

 A multi-talented artist, Elise is not only an accomplished violinist but also a gifted composer. Her work Les Traversées. 7 will be performed during the concert, showcasing her remarkable creativity and expressive depth. Elise was part of the 2023–24 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme as the first composer on the programme.

 Known for her dazzling technique and profound musicality, Clarissa has performed with orchestras across Europe and North America. A winner of the International Mozart Competition Salzburg, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Clarissa was part of the 2023–24 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme.

 A rising operatic star, Aida has already made waves in the opera world with her powerful and emotive performances. A participant in the 2024–25 season of the Classeek Ambassador Programme, which came from being awarded Young Artist of the Year at the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA), Aida’s voice has been praised for its clarity and emotional resonance.

They will be joined by an exceptional lineup of guest artists, including Laura Andres (Soprano), Karolina Ferencz (Mezzo Soprano), Joseph Zeinstra and Oscar Esmerode (Tenor), and Benoît Capt (Bass). The Chœur Universitaire de Lausanne, conducted by Fruzsina Szuromi, will add their voices to this extraordinary musical celebration.

The evening will open with Tchaikovsky's dramatic 

, seamlessly flowing into Bruch's beloved 

, performed by Clarissa Bevilacqua. Then, the audience will listen to the soaring voices of sopranos Laura Andres and Aida Pascu, joined by 150 choristers from the Chœur Universitaire de Lausanne under the direction of Fruzsina Szuromi, for excerpts from Handel's majestic 

The second half spotlights female composers and performers. Szuromi conducts a cappella works by Szőnyi Erzsébet and Amy Beach, followed by the Swiss premiere of 

 by Elise Bertrand. Finally, conductor Antoine Marguier will lead a powerful performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with pianist Nour Ayadi and a strong lineup of soloists – Aida Pascu, Karolina Ferencz, Joseph Zeinstra, Oscar Esmerode, and Benoît Capt – culminating in a glorious, Ode to Joy-inspired finale.

This concert is not just a celebration of music but also a tribute to the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in the arts. From the timeless works of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to the contemporary compositions of Elise Bertrand, the program reflects the diversity and richness of the classical music tradition.

📍 Victoria Hall, Rue du General Dufour 14, 1204 Geneva

ELLES: A Celebration of International Women’s Day

Join us for this special concert featuring 4 Classeek artists

Winner of our 2023-24 Open Application, Elise Bertrand was the first composer to join our Ambassador Programme. In this world premiere of Psalmodie Op. 20, she performed alongside Joë Christophe on clarinet and fellow Ambassador Programme artist Tomoki Park on piano.

Élise Bertrand, Joë Christophe, and Tomoki Park | E. Bertrand: Psalmodie Op. 20

Psalmodie Op. 20

Classeek Showroom performance, 11 June 2024

Elise Bertrand talks about her work as a composer, including the inspiration for Psalmodie (a world premiere that was commissioned by Classeek for her concert with us). She also discusses her teachers, mentors, and inspiration as she continues to build a thriving career as both a composer and violinist.

Elise Bertrand Interview

with Benjamin Woodroffe

We are delighted to announce our collaboration with renowned pianist David Fray and the esteemed festival l'Offrande Musicale, presenting a series of captivating concerts that promise to be truly memorable. This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting emerging classical musicians and providing them with exceptional platforms to showcase their talent on a global scale.

Commencing this musical journey is a captivating concert scheduled for 

 at the vibrant Classeek showroom in Aubonne, Switzerland, with a simultaneous live stream on 

This event marks the beginning of an enchanting chamber music series, featuring a world premiere piece by our Open Application composer winner, 

. We take immense pride in collaborating with David Fray for this concert, where exceptional talents nurtured through our Ambassador Programme will share the stage. Joining them are the accomplished clarinettist Joë Christophe and pianist 

, creating a rich and engaging musical experience for viewers.

But that's not all – save the date for the next instalment of this musical journey, set to unfold at David Fray's prestigious festival, l'Offrande Musicale, on 

 at the iconic Abbaye de l'Escaladieu in Bonnemazon, France. The opportunity for these young artists to join David at his festival underscores Classeek's commitment to supporting young artists and providing them with opportunities for recognition on a global scale, and we're thrilled to be able to offer it to Elise, Joë, and Tomoki.

Tickets for their festival performance are available for purchase now at the following link: 

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of classical music at its finest!

Collaboration with l'Offrande Musicale & David Fray

We are proud to join forces with the esteemed pianist David Fray for this concert. Together, we are excited to present an exceptional programme, including the works of our Open Application composer winner, Elise Bertrand. 

Joining us will be David Fray, alongside the composer and violinist herself Elise Bertrand, as well as clarinettist Joë Christophe and pianist Tomoki Park. This collaboration represents our commitment to supporting emerging talents and celebrating the richness of classical music.

Elise Bertrand, violin | Joë Christophe, clarinet | Tomoki Park, piano | with special guest David Fray

Psalmodie, Op. 20 (world premiere)

3 Romances, Op. 94

Sonate pour violon seul, Op. 16

Sonatina for Violin and Piano No.3 in G minor, D. 408 (IV. Allegro moderato)

Fantasie in F minor, D. 940

Chamber Recital

 (composer) as the two young artists joining  us this season for the Ambassador Programme 2023-2024, via our open application. 

These two wonderful artists stood out in a highly competitive application process, and we are very happy to support them in their development over the coming year. 

We would like to thank everyone who applied, for their effort and time that went into applying, and encourage anyone who did not receive a place this year to apply next year. Applications for next season will be open in early 2024, please check our 

Clarissa and Elise will join the nominated artists on the Ambassador Programme for the season 2023-24. The full selection of artists will be announced later this week.  

__________________________________________________________________________________

Violinist Clarissa Bevilacqua is known to enchant audiences with her dazzling technical skills and deeply inspiring musicality. Music director and conductor Terry Lowry says she has that 

“rare star quality that is difficult to describe, but impossible to miss.” 

Clarissa debuted at the Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago in front of ten thousand people when she was nine years old. She has performed solo recitals and concerto engagements at venues throughout North America and Europe. Recent and upcoming soloist performances include the opening concert of the Mozartwoche 2023 with the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, the premier recording of the Augusta Read Thomas concerto with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Cape Symphony, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, El Sistema Orchestra and the Salzburger Orchester Solisten. 

Winner of several international competitions, she was awarded First Prize, Audience Award and Special Bärenreiter Award at the International Mozart Competition Salzburg, as well as the Grand Prize at the Cape Symphony International Violin Concerto Competition. She is a Young Artist of the Classically Connected Organization in New York, and an Affiliate Artist of the Guarneri Hall Program in Chicago. An avid and enthusiastic learner, Clarissa received her Bachelor of Music at age sixteen, graduating summa cum laude. In 2021, she completed her Master of Music in Violin Performance at the Mozarteum University Salzburg with Pierre Amoyal and  is currently studying with Antje Weithaas at the Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler" in Berlin.

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Elise Bertrand

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