CONDUCTOR
José José GIMENEZ MENDIA
Born in 1981, started his musical studies as horn player in the Vicente Emilio Sojo Music Conservatory (Barquisimeto, Venezuela). He went on to further studies at the University Institute of Musical Studies IUDEM (Caracas) and in the National Conservatory of Region of Perpignan-Tet Mediterranée (France) with Jean-Pierre Cénédèse, where he was granted the Gold Medal with honor Très bien á l`unanimité in Horn and Chamber Music. Also granted the Diploma of Horn Improvement and Chamber Music in 2002 and playing as a Winner-Prize Soloist in 2001. He also studied in the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris in the class of André Cazalet (2002- 2006) and in the Sócrates Exchange Program (2004) in the Hochshule of Köln (Germany). Orchestral Conducting Diploma (UCV2013) with Maestro Miguel Ángel Monroy.
Professor in the Académies Epsival (2012-13) and Eurocuivres (2016-2018-2019-2022 France) and Eurocuivres-Asia (Taiwan 2019). Professor in Masters-Class in the CNR of Tours, Nancy, Le Mans, and Association Passeur D´Art (Paris 2017). Professor in the tour “Hans Hoyer” in the National University of Colombia (Bogotá), Winds Orchestra´s Net of Cundinamarca Department, EAFIT University and Iberacademy (Medellín 2018), Sistema Greece, among others. Founder member (1994) of the National Children’s Orchestra of Venezuela, founder of Simón Bolívar Brass Quintet, soloist in the Second Festival of Music Palau del Vidre (France 2001), founder member of Or Notes Brass Quintet (France), the one he was awarded first prize in the European Chamber Music Competition of FNAPEC 2004 (Paris 2004). Moreover, he was a founder member of the Latin-American Academy of Horn in 2009 (Venezuela). Member of the Ibero-American Symphony Orchestra (1997) and YouthSymphony Orchestra of Andean Countries (2000). He was also part of some World Youth Orchestras such as: Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (Germany 2003) as well as some tours in Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia (2004), Luzern Festival Academy with Pierre Boulez (Switzerland 2004 and 2005), Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra (JMWO2006) that allowed him to go to a tour to Spain and China. Ensemble Intercontemporain de Musique de Paris, Opéra de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Capitole de Toulouse, Bordeaux, Limoges, Troyes, Opéra-Comique de Paris, Orchestre de Perpignan, Harmonie du Languedoc-Rousillon, Wupertal. He has also been involved in recordings and reports such as: Messe Opus 130 Joseph Jongen, Ensemble Epsilon (2001); Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival Orchester (2003). Arte France, Musique de Film Carmen, Orchestre de Perpignan (2002). Rachmaninov, OSSBV Gustavo Dudamel (2013). Gala Magazine Report “Ejemplo de Voluntad y Esfuerzo” (1999) Newspaper “El Impulso”. Report in the talent section “Un Músico sin Fronteras que Materializa la Excelencia Musical Venezolana” in the magazine “Lo Nuestro es Cultura” Edition 36 (2014), among others.
José José Giménez has conducted severals orchestras as: Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (OSSBV), National Philharmonic Orchestra (OFN), Venezuela Symphony Orchestra (OSV), Juan José Landaeta Symphony Orchestra, Simón Bolívar Baroque Orchestra, Municipal Music School of Guatemala City, Youth Orchestra of the Prefecture of Guayaquil (Ecuador), Ecole de Musique de Vandoevre (France), Evencio Castellanos Regional Orchestra, Francisco de Miranda Orchestra, Simón Bolívar Band, Lara Symphony Band, Caracas Youth Symphony Orchestra, Altos Mirandinos Orchestra, Caracas Chamber Orchestra, Juan Jacinto Lara Youth Symphony Orchestra, Yaracuy Philharmonic and numerous Symphony Orchestras of the States: Mérida, Lara, Guárico, Falcón, Aragua, Miranda, Apure. Nowadays, he is member of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, performing in important concert halls around the world like Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Berlin Philharmonie, BBc Proms, Disney Concert Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, among others. Horn Professor of the Simón Bolívar Music Conservatory of Venezuela and Orchestral Conductor. Member of the Horn School Academic Committee of the Sistema.
José José Giménez is a Hans Hoyer French Horn player performing artist on the K10 MODEL of Buffet Crampon Group.
TRUMPET FACULTY
Simon VAN HOECKE
At the age of six Simon learns his first notes on the cornet. After a mathematical-scientific education at the Amandinacollege in Herk-de-Stad, he obtains a master degree at the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp. At the same time he studied music theory in the main subjects of analysis and harmony and obtained a pedagogical degree. Afterwards he perfected himself in the trumpet class of Prof. Klaus Schuhwerk at the “Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst” in Frankfurt am Main. He was invited as a guest soloist with various orchestras, like HaFaBra orchestra, the World Chamber Orchestra, the Museumorchester of Frankfurt Opera, the Gießen Stadttheaterorchester, Württembergisches Kammerorchester, Heilbronn and the Philippine Philharmonic.
Simon is associated as 1st trumpet soloist with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg and had the honour to make music under the direction of famous conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Neeme and Pavo Järvi, Andres Nelssons, Eliahu Inbal, Daniël Harding, Daniele Gatti, Jukka Pekka Saraste….but also with specialists in early music such as Philippe Herreweghe, Frans Brügen and Ton Koopman.
As a chamber musician, he won first prize with the Eburon Quintet at the prestigious “Concours International de Musique de Chambre” in Lyon and was on international stages at the Hermitage Theatre, Festival Berlioz, Festival de la Chaise-Dieu, Festival de Saintes, Sauerland Herbst…His ability to master trumpet as well as cornet, flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet emphasizes his musical versatility and flexibility. His creativity and passion for “brass playing” are expressed in his own compositions and arrangements, as well as in invitations for guest conducting, master classes and clinics from Spain to St. Petersburg. As the conductor of fanfare band Toeterdonk from Tildonk, he won the Vlamo Award with his composition “De Engelenburcht”, an initiative that is creative and artistic and has a lasting impact on the environment due to its extraordinary form.
Simon is an Adams performing artist, as well as the professor of trumpet at the Royal Conservatoire, School of Arts Antwerp.
Philippe LITZER
Philippe Litzler, born in 1969 and grew up swaddled in a culture of music, starting, at just four years old, to play the trumpet. After graduation, he eschewed the traditional path of music education and studied under André Daire at the École Normale de Musique in Paris from 1987 to 1989, finish his training with the highest distinctions. In 1988 he was awarded the diploma “Diplôme Supérieur d’Exécution”, followed a year later by the soloist diploma “Diplôme Supérieur de Concertiste”. While attending the École Normale de Musique, Mr. Litzler simultaneously studied under Pierre Thibaud at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. He awarded a First Prize in Chamber Music in 1990 and his First Prize in Trumpet in 1991 ; a prize for which he was the first candidate ever selected by unanimous vote and congratulations of the jury. From 1991 to 2005, Mr. Litzler held the position of Principal Trumpet at the Orchestre National de France under the musical direction of Charles Dutoit and later Kurt Masur.
Since September 2005, Mr. Litzler has been Principal Trumpet for the prestigious Tonhalle Orchestra in Zürich under the leadership of Paavo Järvi. To round out his involvement in the music world, Mr. Litzler added from 2008 to 2021 the role trumpet professor at the Lucerne School of Music in Switzerland.
Curious by nature and concerned to understand how energies circulate in the human body and how to use them to manage instrumental playing as well as for stress management, Mr. Litzler trained in Usui Reiki and became a Master Teacher in this practice in 2019, but also in Sonotherapy in 2020. These two practices have become his mainstays in teaching and coaching.
David ARGENTA
David is currently the principal trumpet of the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra (KSO), a position that he has held since 2012, and serves a faculty member of the National Kaohsiung Normal University.
Born in Metz, David completed his study in France and Germany. He has received numerous national and international awards, including the 1st prize of the international trumpet competition in Moulins (France), 2nd prize of the Selmer competition, prize winner in Saulgau (Germany), and prize winner of the Leopold Bellan and the UFAM international competition in Paris. Throughout his career, David has performed with the SWR Saarbrücken Orchester, Mulhouse Symphony Orchestra, Luxemburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de Lorraine, Nancy Symphony Orchestra, Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra,Taipei Philharmonic, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Macau Orchestra and others.
David is an active soloist, recitalist and chamber music performer. His repertoire covers all periods from renaissance to contemporary music, and performs on both modern and baroque trumpets. In 2000 he made his solo debut with the Mettensis Symphony Orchestra performing Haydn concerto and the double concertos of Vivaldi and Manfredini. He has been a guest soloist with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, NSO Taiwan, Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra, Amnéville Symphony Orchestra, Metz Brass Ensemble, Metz Wind Ensemble, Taipei Civic Band, Stravinsky Ensemble.
His first album entitled “Trompette et Orgue” contains Marcello oboe concerto in D minor, Brandt concerto No.2, Ponchielli concerto and the Hummel concerto in the original key of E Major. David has been the member of Orchestre National de Lorraine, also served as principal trumpet of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan.
David is a Schilke international artist, also a Weimann rotary trumpet musician for reference.
FRENCH HORN FACULTY
Jean-Philippe CHAVEY
Jean Philippe Chavey was born in 1969. After studying at the ENM of Pays de Montbéliard under the guidance of Jean Marie Bourgeois, and obtained a concert diploma in 1985. He entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon in 1986 at the age of 17. There, he studied with André Fournier, Michel Garcin Marrou, and Michel Molinaro, and in 1989, he received a unanimous first prize. Concurrently, he attended the chamber music class taught by Jean Pierre Laroque. In the same year, he earned a unanimous first prize in chamber music at the international competition in Guérande with the wind quintet “KHEOPS”. From 1992 to 1995, he has been a member of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.
For 30 years, he was a member of the Hexagone brass sextet led by Pierre Dutot, with whom he performed over 500 concerts worldwide. He holds a teaching certificate for the horn and, after teaching in Alsace in Colmar and Mulhouse, he took over the horn class at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional du Grand Nancy in 1999, as well as at the Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin in Strasbourg since 2019. He also teaches in Brazil during workshops and festivals in South America and Asia.
Since 2008, he has been a horn player in the Orchestre National de Metz Grand Est conducted by David Reiland, as well as in the wind quintet “Gustatori”. He has been the Artistic Director of a brass and percussion academy in Pays de Montbéliard called “EUROCUIVRES” for 23 years, and he also leads Eurocuivres Asia in Taiwan (www.eurocuivres.com). He also has sheet music published under his name at Editions Robert Martin.
Jean Philippe Chavey is an artist for Yamaha Europe and exclusively plays instruments from this brand (YHR871D).
Alban BEUNACHE
Alban, born in 1989, began his musical journey at the age of 6, starting with the piano. After a few years of percussion practice, he took up the French horn at the age of 12 under the guidance of Christian Lecomte. He later studied with Guy Mouy and Vladimir Dubois before entering the Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris, where he earned his Master degree with honors in 2017, under the tutelage of Jacques Deleplancque.
Following a season with the National Orchestra of Montpellier, Alban joined the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in 2018 as the principal French horn player. He has a deep passion for chamber music and regularly performs in various ensembles. In 2019, he became a professor of French horn at the Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin, and since 2022, he has had the pleasure of teaching at the prestigious Eurocuivres Academy Festival.
Yu-Hui CHUANG
Yu-Hui Chuang, native of Taipei, began his professional career in Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin under Chef Conductor “Ivan Fischer” in 2013; and became an instructor in C.P.E. Bach Gynasium in 2014, and Hochschule für Musik “Hanns-Eisler” for the Horn Class of Prof. Marie-Luise Neunecker in 2014, and since 2021 for the Horn Class of Prof. Sibylle Mahni. Mr.Chuang has also given numerous masterclasses in Europe and Asia.
As a soloist, Mr. Chuang performed Robert Schumann Konzertstück F-Dur für vier Hörner und großes Orchester op. 86 in Berlin Philharmonie Kammermusiksaal in 2015 and György Ligeti Hamburg Concerto for solo horn and chamber orchestra with four obbligato natural horns as natural hornist with Konzerthaus Orchester Berin under Ivan Fischer and Marie-Luise Neunecker as solo horn in Berlin Philharmonie. In 2019 he performed Mozart Horn Concerto No.3 KV.447 with The Transylvania State Philharmonic Cluj-Napoca Romanian. Mr.Chuang has also given numerous chamber music concerts in Asia and Europe.
In 2019 he performed Mozart Horn Concerto No.3 KV.447 with The Transylvania State Philharmonic Cluj-Napoca Romanian. Mr.Chuang has also given numerous chamber music concerts in Asia and Europe.
As an orchestra hornist, Mr. Chuang performed with several world renowned orchestras such as Berlin Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Berlin, Deutsche Sinfonie Orchester, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Deutsche Oper Berlin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Komische Oper Berlin, WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, Bamberger Symphoniker, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern, Museumsorchester Frankfurt, Bremer Philharmoniker, Norwegian Opera & Ballet Orchestra Oslo, etc. In 2012, he was invited to Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival for the Lang Lang Project to celebrate Lang Lang’s 30th Birthday.
As an instructor, Mr. Chuang was invited as instructor for the 5th Beijing International Horn Festival in 2017/2019, in 2018 he was also invited as guest artist for the Asian Horn Festival in Tokyo, in 2022 was invited as guest artist for festival international de Musica de Valencia and as Instructor Starnberger Musiktage, in 2022/2023 as guest artist for Seoul international music festival and in 2023 as guest artist for Eufonia festival in Timisoara, Romania.
Mr. Chuang began playing the horn at the age of eight under his father Prof. Szu-Yuan Chuang. He continued his studies at Taipei National University of Arts and later at Hochschule für Musik “Hanns-Eisler”, where he received his Diplom Degree in 2013 and Master Degree in 2016. His main instructors in Berlin include world famous Horn Soloist Prof. Marie-Luise Neunecker, solo hornist of Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin Dmitry Babanov, hornist of Berliner Philharmoniker Georg Schreckenberger, and hornist of Staatskapelle Berlin Markus Bruggaier. During his studies, Mr. Chuang was awarded 1st Prize in the National French Horn Competition in Taiwan three times and 1st Prize in the 5th OSAKA International Music Competition in Japan 2005.
TROMBONE FACULTY
Nicolas MOUTIER
At the age of 17, Nicolas Moutier entered the « Conservatoire de Paris » (CNSMDP), where he won the trombone and chamber music prizes, and entered the « cycle de perfectionnement concertiste ». Nicolas Moutier is laureate of the main international competitions: 2nd Prize of the Spring Prague International Competition (Czech Republic), 2nd Prize of the Porcia International Competition (Italy), 3rd Prize of the Jeju International Competition (South Korea), 1st Prize of the Yamaha music foundation of Europe, and 1st Grand Prix of the FMAJI International Competition. Nicolas Moutier travels the world to perform as a soloist accompanied by major symphonic ensembles and to give masterclasses (Japan, Russia, Taiwan, etc.).
As a young soloist, he recorded several radio and television programs (« Victoires de la musique » for France Televisions, France Musique, Czech national radio, etc.), and made several records (as a soloist, and in chamber music with Michel Becquet, Jacques Mauger, Vincent Lepape, Marc Lys, Jerome Naulais, Jean-Michel Defaye, etc.). Many composers have also written concertante works for him : Pierre Thilloy, Remy Abraham, Carinne Bonnefoy (winner of a Latin Grammy Award), and soon Bruce Broughton (winner of Emmy Awards).
After working with the Toulouse Capitol Orchestra (Aïda scholarship), Nicolas Moutier became the Principal Trombone of the French Air Force Band in 2003, then the Principal Trombone of the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006. Member of the Feeling Brass Quintet (with Romain Leleu) then the Opus4 Quartet, he became the first trombone of the Namestra ensemble in 2010. Nicolas Moutier is a professor at the « Conservatoire de Strasbourg » and at the « Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin ». He is also a member of the international academy Eurocuivres since 2009. In 2018, he joined the teaching team of the « Orchestre Français des Jeunes » (OFJ). At the same time, Nicolas Moutier made numerous arrangements for brass ensemble and percussion, which he then directed.
Promoter of numerous artistic projects for the Council of Europe (official ceremonies and concerts) and the City of Strasbourg, he is part of the organization of several festivals in Europe (International Trombone Festival 2012, European Festival of Trombone 2014, and others in France, Switzerland, and Germany).
Nicolas Moutier is Vice-President of the « Association des Trombonistes Français » (ATF) and webmaster of the professional reference : www.LeSiteDuTrombone.fr.
Fabrice BROHET
Fabrice Brohet was born in Saint-Cyr l’Ecole near Versailles in 1974, and he began the trombone at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Reims in the class of Amédé Grivillers, and graduated with 1st prize in 1994. He also went to CNSM Paris in the class of Gilles Millière, where he received 1st prize of trombone and chamber music in 1998.
He is a prize-winner of the Musical Festival of the Young Interpreters of Deuil la Barre (FMAJI) in 1996, and serves on the faculty at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Reims. He has worked with numerous orchestras, such as Opéra de Paris, Capitole de Toulouse, Orchestre Colonne, Orchestre Lamoureux, Ensemble Itinéraire, Orchestre de Strasbourg, Opéra de Reims. He is also the trombonist in the Orchestre de l’Aube.
Chih-Sheng TIEN
Born in Tainan, Markus completed his basic education in Taiwan, and received his initial trombone training with Suan-Yung Liu, and also studied with Shi-Shan Cheng and Shyanjer Lee.
At the age of sixteen, he went to Vienna and studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. In order to broaden his vision, he continued his study at the Berlin University of the Arts and received his master and doctor degree. He also started his career in Berlin and often participated in the performances of major orchestras, such as Berlin Philharmonic, Deutsche Oper Berlin…Markus has worked with the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt and Staatskapelle Berlin as an intern. He has been the Principal Trombone of the Norddeutsche Philharmonie (Zeitvertrag) , and appointed as the trombone teacher at the Department of Education of the Berlin University of the Arts.
Currently he is the Principal Trombone of the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra, and teaches at the National Kaohsiung Normal University and the Cingshuei High School.
EUPHONIUM FACULTY
Bastien BAUMET
Born in 1988, Bastien Baumet began his musical learning at six years old in south of France and got all his diplomas at Nîmes conservatory in 2003 at the age of 14 and at Villeurbanne conservatory in 2005 at 16 years old. In 2006, when he was 17, he was admitted into the famous National Superior Conservatory of Music (CNSM) of Paris, where he won first prize with unanimity in 2009. In 2006, he won the European competiton for young soloist of Luxemburg. As one of the founding member of Paris Brass Band Bastien was principal euphonium player until 2022 (Winner of French National Championship 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, Vice European champion 2019). Since 2006, he has often been involved in orchestras such as l’Orchestre National de Lyon, , l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France, l’Orchestre de l’Opéra National de Paris, l’Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, l’Orchestre National de France…
In 2007, Bastien won the competition to be solo euphonium of the National French Police Orchestra since 2008, after being received in the Brest Marine band and Paris Air Force band. In 2008, he won the first prize during the international Competiton in Jeju (South Korea), one of the most famous euphonium-based events. In Juny 2012 he won the soloist prize at Amboise’s Open of Brass band.
Bastien is named Professor in the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et Danse (CNSMD) in Lyon in 2017. He is also teaching in Paris’ 13th district Conservatory since 2011. Since 2008, Bastien has performed regularly as a soloist in France and abroad where he also, delivers recital, soloist concerts with brass-band, wind band or orchestra combining with exciting master-classes. In 2012 he released his first CD « Art of the Euphonium » to the record company Indesens. In 2014, he producted his second CD “Portraits” in duet with Alexis Demailly (solo cornet of the Paris’s Opera). His third album calls “Romance” recorded with piano playing by Mathilde Nguyen in 2016. “Radiance”, recorded with the Lisbon Air Force band, released in 2019. In 2020 he records a new CD “Ascension” with Alexis Demailly and Brass band Fribourg.
Bastien Baumet is a Besson artist (he is playing on a Sovereign euphonium), Courtois artist (he is playing on a Legend 366 saxhorn) and Denis Wick artist (mouthpiece and mutes).
TUBA FACULTY
Guillaume DIONNET
Guillaume Dionnet is considered one of the most talented tubists of his generation. Currently the principal tuba of the Orchestre National de Lyon, he is also recognized as a chamber musician and tuba professor at the CNSM de Lyon. After studying with Gérard Buquet and Jens Mac Manama at the CNSMD de Paris, Guillaume joined the Orchestre National de Lyon in 2007, under the direction of Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider. He has also gained extensive orchestral experience through collaborations with renowned orchestras such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by prestigious conductors including Neeme Jarvi, Mikko Franck, Klaus Mäkelä, and Alan Gilbert. These collaborations have led him to perform in prestigious concert halls such as the Philharmonie de Berlin, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Suntory Hall in Tokyo, and Carnegie Hall in New York.
Passionate about creating artistic projects, Guillaume develops numerous initiatives within the Auditorium – Orchestre National de Lyon. He brings together musicians, singers, and actors for performances aimed at young audiences, participates in recording albums of the ONL and the Ensemble de Cuivres et Percussions de l’ONL. As a soloist, he has also performed Ralph Vaughan-Williams’ concerto for tuba and orchestra, accompanied by the ONL. Guillaume has also had the opportunity to perform in recital with the grand organ of the Auditorium and with the renowned pianist Alexandre Tharaud, offering a captivating musical experience to the audience.
In addition to his involvement in collective projects, Guillaume is a member of the Bokeh Tuba Quintet and the Caeli brass quartet. He also co-founded the onLy Brass Quintet, which won the 3rd prize at the International Chamber Music Competition in Lyon in 2012.
In addition to his career as a musician, Guillaume is an experienced teacher and gives masterclasses in France and abroad. He is also a privileged partner of academies such as Eurocuivres, Caluire et Cuivres, Make It Brass (LUX), and Eurocuivres ASIA (TWN). In October 2023, he was officially appointed as a tuba professor at the CNSMD de Lyon, where he teaches alongside Arnaud Boukhitine and Bastien Baumet.
Guillaume Dionnet is a Melton and AJ Ateliers de cuivres artist, recognizing his exceptional talent and remarkable contribution to the world of music.
PERCUSSIONS FACULTY
Marianne BEDNARSKA
Marianna Bednarska is a young polish percussionist. She runs an active artistic activity, not only as a soloist, but also as a chamber music performer, orchestra musician and percussion teacher. She is regularly invited to international music festivals and cooperates with recognized personalities of the musical world.
She is a Laureate of the 74th Geneva International Music Competition 2019, Winner of the Prix Credit Suisse Jeunes Solistes 2019 and a winner of 24 first prizes and special prizes at international percussion competitions, among others in Chicago (USA 2016), Bamberg (DE, 2016), Paris (FR, 2009), Fermo (IT, 2008) or Plovdiv (BG, 2007). She is also a Finalist of the Polish Eurovision Contest ‘Young Musician of the Year 2009’.
She performed in Europe and USA making her solo debuts at international music festivals, such as the Lucerne Festival 2019, Davos Festival 2021 or Solsberg Festival 2023. As a soloist, she performed with orchestras such as Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Komische Oper Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra of Washington, Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra, Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra or Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw.
She is the winner of artistic scholarships in Poland, Switzerland and Germany. In 2013, she received the Polish-Danish Friendship Award for her unique artistic activity connecting both countries, and in 2017, a nomination for the award ‘Koryfeusz Muzyki Polskiej 2017’ in the Debut of the Year category.
In 2014, at the invitation of the renowned Danish composer, Anders Koppel, she was the first percussionist in a history to record the complete set of all his marimba concertos (Dacapo Records 2014) on her debut album ‘Marimba Concertos’, which received extremely positive reviews, both in Poland and abroad (including The New York Times, Gramophone or Deutschlandfunk). As a soloist, she also took part in recordings for Bayerische Rundfunk, the Institute of Music and Dance in Poland and the PWM Edition in the artistic project ‘100 for 100. Musical Decades of Freedom’, which was honored with the ‘Fryderyk Award’ of the Polish Phonographic Academy in two categories.
She began her artistic path with the piano, which was soon replaced by classical percussion instruments. After graduating with honors from the Karol Szymanowski Music School in Warsaw, she received with the highest marks both a bachelor’s degree from the Staatliche Hoschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Stuttgart, and a master’s degree from the Haute Ècole de Musique in Geneva, where she also completed postgraduate studies in 2021.
From 2023, Marianna Bednarska holds a teaching position at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. She is a Yamaha Artist and a Kolberg Mallet Artist.
Ya-Hsin CHENG
Ya-Hsin Cheng received the diploma “mention très bien à l’unanimité” in Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon in 2007. She won the third prize in Claude Giot International Vibraphone Competition in France in 2005. In 2010 her recital in the Taiwan National Recital Hall was nominated for Taishin Arts Award. She established NanaFormosa Percussion Duo with Yu-Ying Chang, they won the third prize of percussion duo in the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg in 2009. Until now, they have been invited to perform cross Asia, Europe and America. She participated many different cross-over projects in Taiwan. One of the production for the soundtrack led by Lim Giong and Yi-Chen Chang with Aashti silkroad group for《the Whirling Dance of Hu-Ji 》in Jou Hsiao-Hsien’s movie《 The Assassin 》 won the prix du jury CANNES SOUNDTRACK in 2015.
At present, she is the percussion assistant professor in the Music Department of National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA) and National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU). She is the Taiwan Yamaha Musician with “My Yamaha, My Music” project.
Yu-Ying CHANG
Yu-Ying Chang was graduated from Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Lyon with the diploma “mention très bien à l’unanimité” in 2007. Then she received the Konzertexamen soloist diploma in Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe in 2010. During her study in Europe, she won the 3rd prize in the International Vibraphone Competition in Clermont-Ferrand, France in 2005. In 2009, she was the winner of the 2nd prize in the 64th Geneva International Music Competition (the 1st prize was not attributed). In 2009, NanaFormosa Percussion Duo which was established with Ya-Hsin Cheng won the 3rd prize of the International Percussion Competition in Luxembourg.
She is Taiwan YAMAHA Musician of “My Yamaha, My Music” project, and the assistant professor of percussion in the music department of National Kaohsiung Normal University (NKNU), National Chiayi University (NCY), and Tainan University of Technology (TUT) at the present time. As the member of NanaFormosa Percussion duo, they have been invited to many festivals and concerts around the world, and continue to invent creative projects with various artists.