The French clarinettist Michel Lethiec is currently considered to be one of the most eminent figures on the worldwide classical musical scene. Besides his numerous concert and festival performances, he is also devoted to teaching, and participates actively in the research and distribution of the repertoire.
He has played as a soloist and chamber musician with the most eminent performers, such as A. Noras, L. Kovakos, G. Hoffmann, F. Helmerson, G. Sharon, R. and B. Pasquier, H. Shaham, Y. Bashmet, G. Caussé, P. Gallois, J. Menuhin, R. Gothoni, J.F. Heisser, J.-C. Pennetier, M. Rudy, V. Mendelssohn, P. Amoyal, J.J. Kantorow, P. Csaba, M. Martin, Y. Gandelsmann, I. Golan and the Talich, Enesco, Artis, Amati, Prazak, Lindsay, Chilingirian Quartets.
Devoted to contemporary music, he has played premiere performances of numerous pieces by composers such as Penderecki, Corigliano, Denisow, Maratka, Ballif, Landowski, Decoust, Fourchotte, Scolari, Narita, Brotons, and Giraud.
He is regularly invited to give master classes at international schools and festivals. He teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris and at the Nice Conservatoire, and also participates regularly in international competitions (Geneva, Leipzig, Prague, Osaka, Munich) as a jury member.
His recordings include more than 20 compact discs, including two award-winning albums (Ascèses by Jolivet and Contrasts by Bartók), for Lyrinx, Arion, RCA, Bis, Talent, Actes Sud.
He has recorded the three Concertos by Penderecki as well as a CD devoted to the chamber music works of the same composer (Naxos), the Concerto by Vanhall (Talent) and the Dance Preludes by Lutosławski (Arion), Luminarium by Maratka (Arion) Sonatas by Auric, Honegger and Poulenc (with C. Ivaldi).
Michel Lethiec is the Artistic Director of the prestigious Festival Pablo Casals in Prades.
photo JosepMolina