The event took place at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan and drew fans of chamber music. The group’s masterful performance of rare works created an atmosphere of 19th-century French evenings.

Alcee, created in 2007, performs chamber music written by various composers. The group consists of 4 professional musicians: Laure Simonin – a violin player, a laureate of an award from National Music Conservatory, regularly performs with Pasdeloup orchestra; Marianne Devos – a violin player, a graduate of the Royal College of Music in Britain, has performed in a variety of French orchestras; Romain Trefouel – a viola player, a winner of several awards in chamber music; Sebastien Rateau – a cello player, a winner of several awards, performs as part of various orchestras.

Alcee’s repertoire varies from classical music to rhythmic jazz, from blues to Argentinian tango. The quartet earned its fame thanks to its masterful performance of works by composers such as Mozart, Geiden, Mendelssohn, Brahms and others.

The group’s programme for Tashkent was composed of works by French composers Camille Saint-Saëns and Cesar Franck: “We came here to familiarise Tashkenters with French chamber music which is no less original than music created by big orchestars. We’re always happy to perform abroad as this is an excellent opportunity to popularise French chamber music and to see how the public in other countries accepts it.”

In 2010, the Fund Forum and the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan are planning to organize a series of events representing French culture and arts. These events will serve as platforms allowing for an exchange of experience between Uzbek and French cultural workers. For young Uzbek musicians, artists and performers this is an opportunity to improve their mastery, discover new facets of creative activities, and set up international links. The concert by Alcee chamber music quartet is the first project within the planned cooperation.