Duo Praxedis GRAND DUET - Originalwerke für Harfe & Klavier

The combination of harp and piano, which in the early classical era was a popular ensemble, is today very rare. In that period, this exciting duo frequently inspired many renowned composers. Sadly, as the centuries passed the relationship faded. The Swiss mother-and-daughter musicians Praxedis Hug-Rütti and Praxedis Geneviève Hug have set themselves the goal of breathing new life into this fascinating instrumental partnership, establishing its popularity with an international audience, and bringing it to the world's major concert halls. Although the two in- struments are so closely related to each other, they are nonetheless also highly different. Their rarely heard combination provides an especially refined musical delight.

“Duo Praxedis” was established in 1996 when it was invited to perform Bach's Double Concerto in a tran- scription for harp, piano and orchestra. Since 2009, the two artists regularly perform together in Switzerland and abroad. “Duo Praxedis” is a welcome guest at renowned international festivals such as the Schloss Esterhazy, Eisenstadt and Engadin festivals. They have recorded CDs for Guild, Paladino and Preiser. 2014 Duo Praxedis was awarded the UBS-Foundation-Prize for their commitment to contemporary music.

Since original compositions for harp and piano are only to be found in the early classical period, “Duo Praxedis” write their own arrangements of well-known master- pieces for two pianos or piano duet, transcriptions worthy of the highest respect, since it is virtually impossible to transpose explicitly romantic piano scores for the harp. They also frequently commission compositions from notable contemporary composers. The performances and interpretations of the two “Duo Praxedis” artists are legendary, with their passionately intense playing, varied programmes and infectious cheerfulness. Music to be not only heard but also seen, a new, previously unknown form of the art. “Duo Praxedis” is one of today's most attractive ensembles and a highlight in the international concert scene.

Anaïs Gaudemard / Orchestre de l'Opéra de Rouen Normandie / Leo Hussain GINASTERA - DEBUSSY - BOIELDIEU Harp Concertos

An internationally recognized soloist, Anaïs Gaudemard quickly stood out in the musical world among the best current harpists.

In 2012, she wins the First Prize at the prestigious International Harp Contest in Israel, and the special award for the best interpretation of The Crown of Ariadne by Murray Schafer, then in 2016 she wins the 2nd Prize and the Münchener Kammerorchester Prize at ARD Competition in Munich.

 In 2015, Anaïs wins the « Thierry Scherz Prize » at the Festival des Sommets Musicaux in Gstaad. This prize, awarded by the Foundation Scientia Pro Arte, offers to her the opportunity to record a CD with orchestra. Anaïs has chosen to dedicate it to the Concertos for Harp by Debussy, Boieldieu and Ginastera with the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Rouen Normandie. It will be released the November 4, 2016 on the Claves Records label.

Anaïs Gaudemard has the privilege to collaborate with orchestras such as the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, the Münchener Kammerorchester, the Symphonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Rouen Normandie ; under the direction of Claudio Abbado, Leonard Slatkin, Kazushi Ono, Nir Kabaretti, Leo Hussain, Emmanuel Krivine, Constantin Trinks. She performs as soloist and gives master classes in China, Canada, Israel, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, USA, …

Anaïs Gaudemard studied at the CNSMD in Lyon, France (First prize unanimously awarded with the congratulations of the jury in 2013) then she continued her studies at the HEMU in Lausanne where she obtained the Master of Arts specialized « Soloist » with the highest honors and the First Jost Prize which recognizes the best performance of a concerto in 2015.

Since 2014, she is laureate of the Fondation d’Entreprise Banque Populaire which grants her an award to pursue this commitment in creation and the command of works for the harp.