The influential French violinist was 90 years old

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Jacques Ghestem | facebook.com

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The French violinist Jacques Ghestem died on 10 November 2023, at the age of 90.

A prolific chamber and ensemble player, Ghestem was second violinist of the Parrenin Quartet for ten years, from 1970 to 1980. He taught numerous pupils at the Paris Conservatoire, many of whom went on to become soloists, orchestral musicians and professors.

’He was proud of all his students, even if he didn’t understand them,’ said former student, the violinist Stéphanie-Marie Degand on social media. 

’His obsession for our professionalisation has borne fruit: countless musicians have passed through his gaze and ears on sound intake, aesthetic awareness and justice. We are on stage in all places, teachers, engaged in research both in ancient music and creation.’

Ghestem was a member of Ensemble Intercontemporain and Ensemble Alterance. He was the author of the method book Approach to Contemporary Music on the Violin.

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