Antoine Villéger, a 14 year old composer and pianist born in Vancouver, is a graduate of DipLCM in Performance (Recital) of the London College of Music, University of West London and of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT). He first studied composition with Alexander Pechenyuk and has worked under the guidance of Juno Award-winning composer Michael Conway Baker. He studies piano with pianist Svetlana Ponomarëva.
Antoine is a winner and a laureate of international and national composers / piano competitions in Canada, Europe (Spain, Luxembourg) and Russia.
His orchestral compositions were performed in Canada by the Lions Gate Sinfonia orchestra and conductor Clyde Mitchell (“The Battle” 2015, “Song without Words” 2018, “The Story of a Theme” 2019, “North Shore Waltz” 2020) and by the Kessler Academy at Music on Main concert series in Vancouver (2019).
Antoine’s choral composition “The Butterfly and The Bee” after a poem by E. Dickinson was premiered by the Vancouver Chamber Choir and conductor Jon Washburn in 2019 at the 14th Biennial Young Composer’s Competition where it garnered two prizes: the First Place in Elementary Division and a “Barbara Pentland Award for Outstanding Composition”.
Antoine freely speaks English, French and Russian and in his free time likes to play tennis and chess, reading and acting.
The Elves (the enchanting forest) awarded the Third Degree Diploma in International Category of the Golden Key composition competition 2020.
The Golden Key Music Festival combines a unique artistic, performing, and educational experience for professional musicians and students. Each year, it includes a rich variety of musical, artistic, and cultural experiences.
This composition is also coproduced by RMN Music on the CD “In Focus”. This new line and this first CD is dedicated to highlighting successful composers as well as new promises and emerging voices.
Elves are legendary creatures that have been part of Northern European folklore for centuries. They are typically described as magical beings with small stature, pointed ears, and a deep love of nature. Philippe Mathis’ piano piece “The Elves” beautifully captures the essence of these enchanting creatures with its ethereal soundscape.
The melodies and harmonies create the feeling of exploring a magical forest where fairies live and spread their positive influence throughout the world. Philippe Mathis’ incorporation of passages with broad melodic lines creates a captivating, mesmerizing atmosphere that immerses the listener in a realm of fantasy and awe. The harmonies in “The Elves” enhance the fantastical nature of these beings, similar to contemporary media such as books, movies, and video games. Listening to “The Elves” is a pleasurable experience that stimulates the imagination and encourages the listener to discover the enchanting world of these captivating creatures, capturing the essence and enchantment of these mythical beings. With its delicate melodies and intricate harmonies, the composition transports the listener to a world of ethereal beauty.
“The Elves” begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played on the piano, the notes seemingly dancing like mystical creatures in a moonlit forest. The music flows with grace and elegance, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment. As the piece progresses, Philippe Mathis skillfully weaves together various musical motifs, creating a tapestry of sound that mirrors the enchanting world of the elves.
“The Elves” begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played on the piano, the notes seeming to dance like mystical creatures in a moonlit forest. The music flows with grace and elegance, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment. As the piece progresses, Philippe Mathis skillfully weaves together various musical motifs, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects the enchanting world of the elves.
As the music reaches its climax, Philippe Mathis presents arpeggios that cascade like shimmering waterfalls. The composition reaches its climax, capturing the elven realm in all its splendor. Gradually, the music slows down, returning to the gentle melancholy of the opening melody, leaving a lingering sense of calm.
Philippe Mathis’ piano piece, “The Elves,” embodies the mythical creatures that have captured the hearts and imaginations of people throughout history. With its melodies, harmonies, and love of nature, the composition is a testament to Mathis’ musical skills and his ability to convey energy through music. Listening to “The Elves” is a truly interesting experience that transports the listener to a realm of magic and beauty.
