Ensemble Contraste

Arnaud Thorette, artistic director
Johan Farjot, musical director

What happens when classical music meets popular music?

The result is a delightful contrast that gives its name to this ensemble, founded in 2000 and composed of virtuoso classical musicians who are graduates of leading institutions and winners of prestigious international competitions. Making classical music more accessible, blending genres, and surprising audiences with unique concerts—that is the very essence of the ensemble. The musicians’ commitment to friendship, diversity, and spontaneity, along with their pursuit of original musical arrangements, enables an original, sophisticated, and accessible repertoire—ranging from Baroque and classical music to tango, musical theater, jazz, and contemporary compositions.

From *Classic Tango*, which was performed around the world, to the musicals *The Fairy Queen* (2015), *Joséphine Baker* (2016), *Georgia—Tous mes rêves chantent* (2017), *Schubert in Love* (2020), *Les Choses de la Vie* (2021), to its latest production, *Rêves* (2024), featuring singer Emily Loizeau—the productions and discography of this collective of versatile, dedicated, and talented musicians have been unanimously praised by critics (Diapason d’Or, Choc Classica, RTL d’Or, Diamant Opéra, FNAC’s “Coup de Coeur,” Mezzo selection, Radio Classique, France Inter...).

Under the artistic direction of Arnaud Thorette and the musical direction of Johan Farjot, the Ensemble Contraste performs at the most prestigious festivals and venues in France and across Europe, and is based in the Hauts-de-France region, where it was, until recently, in residence at the Théâtre Monsigny in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Contraste regularly collaborates with artists from diverse backgrounds: mezzo-soprano Karine Deshayes, countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, tenor Zachary Wilder, composer Karol Beffa, sopranos Magali Léger and Sandrine Piau, as well as Rosemary Standley, Albin de la Simone, and Emily Loizeau...

Convinced that artists should play an active role in fostering social cohesion, the Contraste Ensemble runs an extensive outreach program aimed at music lovers of all ages in the rural areas of Hauts-de-France and Normandy. In partnership with elementary and middle schools, special education centers, and rural organizations, it offers multidisciplinary arts workshops that culminate in the creation of participatory performances. It is also a key participant in the musical programming for the touring season of “Concerts à la ferme,” which presents concerts on farms throughout France; for this series, it will create an adaptation of Georges Bizet’s opera *Carmen* in 2027, directed by Benjamin Lazar.

Contraste is a member of Scène Ensemble, the FEVIS (Federation of Specialized Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles), the SCPP (Civil Society of Phonographic Producers), and a SACEM publisher (Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers).

November 2026