PIERRE DE BETHMANN QUARTET AUGMENTÉ

#NewMediumEnsemble

Since Prysm, and throughout all phases of the ilium project and the Medium Ensemble, Pierre de Bethmann has consistently devoted a significant portion of his work to building an original repertoire that is both deeply rooted in African-American traditions and marked by countless explorations of form, rhythm, harmony, and melody.

In 2021, energized by the lifting of lockdown restrictions, the pianist-leader presented a revamped quartet, continuing his long-standing partnership with David El Malek, one of the leading voices on the tenor saxophone in Europe today. Two albums from the same recording session at Ferber Studio, CREDO and AGAPÉ, soon showcased this new momentum and paved the way for a steady concert schedule from 2023 to 2026.

To also highlight Pierre de Bethmann’s work as an educator at the CNSMDP, the new Jazz sous les Mélèzes festival in Evian offers him the opportunity for a new chapter based on combining this quartet with an ensemble of young musicians, all from this prestigious Conservatory, either currently studying there or having recently graduated.

Four plus Five: thus was born the idea for this unique nonet, bringing together two generations of exceptional talent around an entirely new repertoire of original compositions by the pianist, composer, and arranger.

Upcoming gigs