Cellist ROSAMONDE QUARTET
Cello professor at the Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt
A curious and multifaceted spirit, Xavier Gagnepain channels his passion for music into the most diverse forms.
A cellist and disciple of Maurice Gendron, Gagnepain holds several international awards (Munich, São Paulo…) and is regularly invited to perform with renowned orchestras across the European scene. A fervent advocate for contemporary music (he was the first to perform the complete cycle dedicated to Paul Sacher), he also dedicates himself to showcasing lesser-known repertoires.
He is an active chamber musician, both as a member of the Rosamonde Quartet and in collaboration with numerous other partners.
A significant portion of his time is devoted to teaching, leading a prestigious class at PSPBB and the CRR of Boulogne-Billancourt, as well as giving numerous public masterclasses in France and abroad.
Additionally, Gagnepain increasingly focuses on orchestral conducting, regularly directing ensembles in France, Spain, and Portugal.
His book, Du musicien en général… au violoncelliste en particulier (Cité de la Musique), has been reprinted several times and continues to enjoy lasting success. A new expanded edition was published in late 2017, featuring the original text alongside a second essay, Les clefs du temps musical.
Among his extensive discography, notable works include a complete recording of Gabriel Fauré's compositions for cello and piano with Jean-Michel Dayez, a CD dedicated to the works of Vincent Paulet, and the acclaimed film Ainsi la Nuit, released on DVD, which explores the connection between Henri Dutilleux and the Rosamonde Quartet.
In 2020, during the confinement period, Gagnepain embarked on an ambitious project to compose a second cello accompaniment for Popper’s renowned 40 Studies, Op. 73, creating an Urtext revision. The complete work was published in 2021 by Éditions Buissonnières. This endeavor inspired a new project: recording the 40 Studies with 40 cellists who have studied under him over 40 years of teaching. The collection, already available on NomadPlay, is set to be released on CD by NomadMusic in 2023.