The thirtieth Victories of Classical Music celebrated, on Wednesday March 1, the “Victoires generation”, awarding mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti the title of lyrical artist of the year and pianist Bertrand Chamayou that of instrumental soloist.

“Thirty years make it possible to reveal and follow the young talents discovered at the Victoires”, underlined the president of the event, Marc Voinchet, also director of France Musique.

“Revelations are the real engine of Les Victoires: introducing young artists to the general public gives all its meaning to this program”, underlined violinist Renaud Capuçon, who had first been rewarded as a revelation at Les Victoires before winning the instrumental soloist of the year trophy.

“We must take advantage of these thirty years to support an entire generation that firmly believes in what it does despite the difficulties”, in particular the soaring energy costs that weigh on performance halls, added Marc Voinchet.

To mark the anniversary, a best of the best moments of the Victories was presented at the end of the ceremony, held in “one of the most beautiful rooms in Europe”, according to Mr. Voinchet, the auditorium of Dijon , with 1,640 seats.

The consecration of a generation

“The recognition of my country means a lot to me,” said French-Swiss Marina Viotti as she received her trophy during a ceremony broadcast live on France 3 and France Musique, and set to music by the Dijon Bourgogne Orchestra. led by Debora Waldman.

The mezzo-soprano, who began opera singing in Vienna in 2011, quickly established herself on the international scene in demanding roles, such as Rosina (The Barber of Seville) at the Bolshoi and at the Rhine Opera, La Périchole at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Alceste at the Rome Opera… This season she will take her first steps at the Opéra Bastille as Stéphano in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette.

“It is an immense happiness after the four Victories already received”, declared Bertrand Chamayou, elected instrumental soloist of the year.

The multiple pianist with a vast repertoire, both chamber musician and great defender of contemporary music, remains a coveted guest of the illustrious festivals of Lucerne, Edinburgh, Salzburg and La Roque d’Anthéron, or even the Mostly Mozart in New York, the Beethovenfest Bonn and the Klavier-Festival Ruhr.

As for the revelations, soprano Alexandra Marcellier was crowned in the opera singer category, cellist Aurélien Pascal as instrumental soloist, and Victor Jacob, tied with Lucie Leguay, as conductor.

Fabien Waksman received the composer trophy for L’Ile du temps, concerto for accordion and symphony orchestra.