What's Happening?
Franco-Dutch violist São Soulez Larivière has been named the 2023 'Young Artist of the Year' by the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA). This recognition follows a series of significant achievements in his burgeoning career, including being nominated
as a 'Rising Star' by the European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO), which will lead to performances in major European concert halls during the 2024/25 season. Larivière's recent competition successes further underscore his rising profile, with first prize at the 2023 Prague Spring International Competition and top prizes at the Tokyo, Oskar Nedbal, Max Rostal, Cecil Aronowitz, and Johannes Brahms competitions. Chamber music has been a central part of his musical development, and he regularly performs with his sister, violinist Cosima Soulez Larivière, and is a member of the Frielinghaus Ensemble. He is also dedicated to expanding the viola repertoire through arrangements and promoting contemporary music, collaborating with composers like Fazil Say and Thomas Adès. Born in Paris in 1998, Larivière began with the violin before committing to the viola at the Yehudi Menuhin School. He completed his Bachelor of Music under Tabea Zimmermann and earned a Master’s Degree at the Kronberg Academy, where he is currently in the Professional Studies program. Additionally, he has been appointed professor of viola at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg starting in autumn 2023.
Why It's Important?
São Soulez Larivière's recognition as 'Young Artist of the Year' by the ICMA signifies a major milestone in the classical music world, highlighting the emergence of a significant new talent. His extensive competition wins and upcoming performances in prestigious venues through the ECHO 'Rising Star' program will bring his artistry to a wider international audience, potentially influencing the future direction of viola performance and classical music programming. His commitment to expanding the viola repertoire, both through his own arrangements and collaborations with contemporary composers, is crucial for the evolution and relevance of classical music in the modern era. By promoting new works and innovative interpretations, Larivière contributes to keeping the genre vibrant and accessible. His appointment as a professor at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg also underscores his influence, as he will now play a direct role in shaping the next generation of violists and musicians. This dual role as a performer and educator positions him as a key figure in both the artistic and academic spheres of classical music, ensuring a lasting impact on the field.
What's Next?
São Soulez Larivière's immediate future includes a series of performances in Europe's most prominent concert halls during the 2024/25 season as part of the European Concert Hall Organisation's 'Rising Star' program. These engagements will significantly elevate his international profile and expose his artistry to a broader audience. Concurrently, he will begin his tenure as professor of viola at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg in autumn 2023, balancing his demanding performance schedule with his new academic responsibilities. This role will involve teaching and mentoring aspiring violists, further solidifying his influence on the future of classical music education. He will also continue his participation in the Günther Caspar-Stiftung Career Advancement Programme from 2024-26, which will provide further support for his artistic development. Given his track record of promoting contemporary music and expanding the viola repertoire, it is likely that he will continue to commission and perform new works, fostering collaborations with leading composers. His ongoing involvement with the Frielinghaus Ensemble and performances with his sister suggest continued chamber music engagements and potential new recordings.
Beyond the Headlines
São Soulez Larivière's career trajectory reflects broader trends in classical music, particularly the increasing emphasis on versatility, innovative programming, and engagement with contemporary works. His success highlights a shift towards musicians who not only master traditional repertoire but also actively contribute to its evolution and accessibility. By arranging works for his instrument and collaborating with modern composers, Larivière is helping to bridge the gap between classical tradition and contemporary artistic expression, making the genre more relevant to diverse audiences. His dual role as a performer and educator at a prestigious institution like the Mozarteum University also points to the growing importance of artists who can both inspire on stage and nurture talent in the classroom. This integrated approach ensures that artistic innovation is passed down to future generations, fostering a dynamic and evolving musical landscape. Furthermore, his international background and recognition underscore the global nature of classical music, where talent transcends national borders and contributes to a rich, interconnected artistic community.
