Ensemble Contraste

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 holds a residency at the Théâtre Monsigny in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Contraste regularly collaborates with artists from diverse backgrounds: mezzo-soprano Karine Deshayes, countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, composer Karol Beffa, sopranos Magali Léger, Sandrine Piau, and Jodie Devos, 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 the Hauts-de-France region. In partnership with middle and high schools, special education centers, and community organizations, it offers multidisciplinary arts workshops leading to the creation of participatory performances. Since June 2023, it has been directing the new traveling festival “Concerts à la ferme,” which presents concerts on farms in the Aisne and Oise departments.

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

February 2026