Bows with Vincent Coutois

Vincent Courtois studied cello at the Conservatoire in Aubersvilliers, first with Erwan Fauré and later with Roland Pidoux en Frédéric Lodéon. His curiosity led him increasingly to play with major jazz musicians. In his playing, he always tries to find the connection between jazz, improvisation, and classical music. His deep interest in the phenomenon of sound can be heard in his duo with Éric-Maria Couturier, and his trio with Dutch (bass) clarinettist Fie Schouten and pianist-composer Guus Janssen is a great example of the bridging between these apparent contradictions. His newest duo is formed together with pianist Colin Vallon. Vincent Courteois’ most distinguished band with saxophonists Daniël Erdmann and Robin Fincker has existed for years, and they have made various CDs. Every year in Paris, Courteois organises les Ateliers du Violoncelle, where all different styles are featured. He has been a professor of the Conservatoire in Lyon for two years.