Violin Caribbean Concertos
On the occasion of the 280th anniversary of the birth of the Guadeloupean composer Chevalier de Saint-George, Hugo Panonacle Artist Management is supporting the Violin Caribbean Concertos project alongside violinist Romuald Grimbert-Barré.
This support follows the project at every stage: shaping its overall narrative, defining its artistic identity, producing the Paris launch concert, promoting it to presenters, and assisting with fundraising. On the occasion of the 280th anniversary of the birth of Chevalier de Saint-George, this project celebrates the meeting of two heritages that seem opposed in every way, yet are united by history: that of the Enlightenment and that of Caribbean Creole society. Romuald Grimbert-Barré’s violin creates a dialogue between the music of Saint-George—an emblematic figure of Enlightenment thought and classical aesthetics—and a contemporary creation by composer Thierry Pécou, inspired by Caribbean rhythms and imagery, paying tribute to the composer of the Enlightenment. This album is a musical and spiritual homage to the singular journey of Saint-George: a free man, a visionary, and a symbol of dialogue between mainland France and its overseas territories. Between European classicism and island pulsations, it explores the many facets of the Enlightenment; the violin becomes a link, an instrument of memory, fire, and renewal.
ROMUALD GRIMBERT-BARRÉ
Between European classicism and island pulsations, this project pays tribute to the unique journey of Saint-George: a free man, visionary, composer, and violinist, a symbol of dialogue between mainland France and its overseas territories. The violin becomes a bridge, an instrument of memory and renewal.
Originally from Guadeloupe, Romuald Grimbert-Barré is one of the most promising French violinists of his generation. A laureate of the Fondation Banque Populaire, ADAMI, and several international competitions, he has performed with the Orchestre National de France, the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine, and on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall and La Roque d’Anthéron. His commitment to rediscovering Saint-George is part of a broader mission of transmission and recognition of Caribbean heritage. Since 2020, he has been the violinist of Thierry Pécou’s Ensemble Variances.
THIERRY PÉCOU
A composer of Caribbean heritage, winner of the Grand Prix Sacem and laureate of the Villa Médicis, Thierry Pécou has developed a body of work deeply inspired by rituals and music from around the world. His Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “Hommage à Saint-George”, pays tribute to the composer of the Enlightenment by evoking three distinct aesthetics across its three movements: Guadeloupean Gwoka, recalling the memory of enslaved Africans; fencing and Saint-George’s revolutionary courage; and Freemasonry, with its Enlightenment ideals of liberty and fraternity.
Schedule
Recording: June 2025 – Orchestre National de Cannes
World premiere: November 2025 – Guadeloupe
Album release: Spring 2026 – Aparté label
Paris premiere: 28 May 2026 – Salle Cortot with the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine
Concert with the Orchestre National de Cannes: June 2026, Limoges – France