Masterpieces by Franck and Ysaÿe

Nordby Church, Fanø, Wednesday 6th August 2025 at 7.30 pm

SINGLE TICKETS All-inclusive Festival Ticket KR. 700,-

Eugène Ysaÿe: “Le Londres” for Two Violins and Viola

César Franck: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 14

The Geniuses – Ysayë and Franck

Masterpieces by Ysaÿe and Franck

Join us for another remarkable evening of chamber music at Nordby Church on Fanø, with an inspiring programme featuring the masterpieces of Eugène Ysaÿe and César Franck. Performed by internationally acclaimed musicians Dominic Chamot (piano), Dmitry Smirnov (violin), Joel Bardolet (violin), Michel Camille (viola), and Elisa Siber (cello), this concert brings together the passion and poetry of two giants of the Franco-Belgian tradition.

Eugène Ysaÿe: “Le Londres” for Two Violins and Viola
Known as the “King of the Violin,” Eugène Ysaÿe was both a virtuoso performer and an innovative composer. “Le Londres,” one of his most dazzling masterpieces, captures Ysaÿe’s unmistakable style — a blend of fiery virtuosity, rich harmonic color, and poignant lyricism. Originally conceived to showcase the expressive and technical possibilities of the violin and viola, this work balances grandeur with intimacy. It opens with a solemn, majestic introduction that leads into a spirited, fiery allegro, bursting with rhythmic drive and luminous textures. “Le Londres” exemplifies Ysaÿe’s lifelong mission to expand the violin’s expressive palette and remains a testament to his genius as both performer and composer.

César Franck: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 14
César Franck’s Piano Quintet in F minor stands as one of the most passionate and emotionally charged masterpieces in the Romantic chamber music repertoire.

Composed in 1879, the quintet shocked its first audiences with its intensity, sweeping melodies, and bold harmonic language. Franck weaves a tapestry of interrelated themes across the three movements, employing cyclical form — a hallmark of his mature style — to create an overarching emotional arc. From the haunting, yearning opening to the tender expressiveness of the slow movement and the stormy, fervent finale, the quintet demands both technical mastery and deep emotional engagement from its performers. Often regarded as one of Franck’s most personal compositions, the work offers listeners a journey through fervent passion, lyrical reflection, and cathartic release.

Eugène Ysaÿe: “Le Londres” for Two Violins and Viola
I. Prelude: Poco lento – Maestoso
II. Allegro vivo e con fuoco

                                                                                                                                                              César Franck: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 14                                                                                                                                                         I. Molto moderato quasi lento.
II. Lento, con molto sentimento
III. Allegro non troppo, ma con fuoco

About the Performers

Dominic Chamot is a German-Swiss pianist born in Cologne in 1995, recognized for his international career as both a soloist and chamber musician. Dominic Chamot has won over 30 competition prizes, including first prize and the audience award at the 2023 Viotti Competition, and has performed in prestigious venues such as the Berlin and Cologne Philharmonies, Vienna’s Musikverein, and New York’s Steinway Hall. Chamot completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Specialized Performance (Soloist) with top honors at the University of Music in Basel and has collaborated with renowned orchestras and conductors across Europe.

Born in St. Petersburg in 1994, Dmitry Smirnov is a Russian violinist who has garnered international acclaim, securing top prizes at competitions such as the ARD Music Competition and the Tibor Varga Violin Competition. He has performed with esteemed orchestras including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, and has collaborated with renowned conductors like Heinz Holliger and Giovanni Antonini. Smirnov’s discography features recordings of works by Bach, Bartók, and Saint-Saëns, showcasing his versatility across both modern and historically informed performance practices. 

Hailing from Vic, Spain, Joel Bardolet is a distinguished violinist known for his innovative interpretations and collaborations with Central European orchestras and chamber ensembles. Educated in Catalonia, Germany, and Switzerland, he has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne. Bardolet is also a founding member of Trio Fortuny, contributing to the ensemble’s dynamic presence in the European classical music scene. 

British-Finnish violist Michel Camille began his musical journey with a scholarship to Wells Cathedral School at age 11, leading to performances with legends like Yehudi Menuhin. Since 1995, he has been a core member of the Esbjerg Ensemble and served as its Artistic Director from 1997 to 2001. Michel Camille founded the Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival in 1999, fostering collaborations with leading composers and musicians worldwide. 

Elisa Seiber is a cellist whose career encompasses solo performances, chamber music, and collaborations with contemporary composers. She has participated in various international festivals and has been involved in projects that blend classical traditions with modern innovations. Seiber’s dedication to expanding the cello repertoire is evident in her diverse performances across Europe and beyond.

Together, these artists form a dynamic ensemble, united by a shared commitment to musical excellence and an inspiring passion for the chamber music repertoire.

Dominic Chamot – piano, Dmitry Smirnov, Joel Bardolet – violin, Michel Camille, – viola, Elisa Siber – cello

Together, these outstanding musicians breathe fresh life into the masterpieces of the Romantic and early modern eras, offering audiences an evening of chamber music at its finest.