BAGUETTES ENCHANTÉES

The Lausanne Marimba Ensemble (LME) was initially created in 2009 by the Tchiki duo – Nicolas Suter and Jacques Hostettler – for Keiko Abe's first visit to Lausanne. It is currently made up of eight musicians from the Haute Ecole de Musique de Lausanne (HEMU). This ensemble, unique in Europe, was formed to promote the particular sonority of the marimba, a warm, melodious and very captivating sound.

Due to the accident that occurred to one of the instrumentalists, the LME was unable to present a complete program on January 21. He will therefore return on March 17 for a new concert, the program of which will be specified later.

The LME offers a varied repertoire accessible to all to present this surprising instrument, both sonically and visually:

transcriptions of classical and baroque works. The LME offers, in particular, an interpretation of the Concerto for four harpsichords and string ensemble (BWV 1065) by Johann Sebastian Bach, the latter itself being a transcription of the Concerto for four violins (RV 580) by Antonio Vivaldi.

transcriptions of choral works. The LME has transcribed, for example, Hymn of the Cherubim by P. I. Tchaikovsky or Hear my prayer, O Lord by H. Purcell.

To date, only a few composers have explored the possibilities of this formation of six marimbas and percussion. The pioneer in this field is the Japanese Keiko Abe. An internationally renowned marimbist, she depicts in Wave a world in decline of humanity, prey to the madness of men.