Nicolas Garrigues

French violist Nicolas Garrigues aims to evoke intense emotions through the rich, profound, and moving nature of the viola sound, championing its underrated repertoire to create powerful connections with audiences.
Versatile musician, Nicolas flourishes through all the different aspects of a performer career. Invited to play as a soloist from a very young age, he made his solo debut at the Philharmonie de Paris in March 2022, playing Hindemith Viola Concerto “Der Schwanendreher” and more recently, in December 2023, his US debut playing Bartók Viola Concerto in Los Angeles under Peter Oundjian's direction. His passion for orchestra led him to be a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, and he had the privilege to work with some of the greatest conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt, Paavo Järvi, Esa-Pekka Salonen… Sought-after chamber music partner, Nicolas took part in the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland and was invited to perform solo and chamber music recitals in major festivals such as the Festival International de Piano de la Roque d'Anthéron, les Concerts Spirituels de Nice, les Instants de Grasses… and had shared the stage with Nathan Mierdl, Bruno Philippe, Rodolphe Menguy… Nicolas is very interested in early music, collaborating with the Consort Musica Vera, and new music; he participated in several premières, and performed at the Festival Messiaen au Pays de la Meije.
After studying with Jean Sulem at Paris Conservatory, Nicolas is pursuing an Artist Diploma under Tatjana Masurenko's guidance at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles. Participating in the international academies and master classes, he also got advice from Nobuko Imai, Hariolf Schlichtig, Hartmut Rohde… Laureate for the Fondation l'Or du Rhin and the Fondation Safran, Nicolas performs on a beautiful XVIIth century Francesco Grancino viola, generously lent by Joséphine and Xavier Moreno.