The Trumpet Shall Sound
Lucienne Renaudin Vary. Photo by Simon Fowler.
One of the most dazzling elements of New Century’s upcoming Christmas Ornaments performances (December 15-17, 2023) is the young French trumpet sensation Lucienne Renaudin Vary, who makes her US Debut with these performances.
Vary has experienced a meteoric rise since her win in the Révélation category of the Victoires de la Musique Classique in 2016 and has already released four albums on Warner Classics, plus a new Christmas EP just in time for her holiday appearance with New Century.
Equally at home in jazz and classical music, Vary has performed with many of Europe and Asia’s most high-profile ensembles and in 2022 shared the stage with New Century’s Music Director Daniel Hope in a sold-out 7-concert Christmas series at Hamburg’s dazzling new Elbphilharmonie venue.
We recently sat down with Vary to discuss her upcoming New Century performances.
New Century Chamber Orchestra: We are thrilled you'll be joining us for "Christmas Ornaments" in a few weeks to make your US Debut! What are you most looking forward to in this upcoming project with New Century Chamber Orchestra?
Lucienne Renaudin Vary: I’m excited about everything to be honest! Coming to the US is a dream for every European person. I’m so thrilled about the repertoire—to play Quiet City, this mesmerizing piece by Aaron Copland, for the very first time. I’m very excited to meet and play with all the musicians from fantastic New Century Chamber Orchestra and more than happy to play again with Daniel Hope, of course, who is the most kind and talented person.
NCCO: Indeed, this is not your first time doing a Christmas concert with Daniel Hope, after a sold-out run in Hamburg last year in the Elbphilharmonie. What was that experience like? How did you meet Daniel?
LRV: It was one of my best memories ever! It was pure joy on stage every night in the magical Elbphilharmonie. It’s always very special to share the stage with friends and people you love and you know a bit. Christmas songs and Christmas repertoire are very close to my heart—they are something that I wait for every year and make me feel safe, happy and comfy. I met Daniel in Berlin, for his TV show Hope at Home, as a guest with [the Egyptian soprano] Fatma Said, and we got along very well all together.
NCCO: You have performed and recorded so many different styles of music—including in this concert! You'll play a baroque concerto from Neruda, a 20th century work from Copland, and popular holiday songs with Daniel. What kind of music do you enjoy playing the most?
LRV: I have to admit that this is a nice combination of what i love to do! I’ve always loved to play many styles of music. I started the trumpet when I was eight and immediately played both classical and jazz—and when you have those two languages, you can play many many things. It’s very rich. I’ve always felt the need to play all styles, and I try to find the right balance. Even in concerts, I often play a concerto with orchestra and a jazz encore!
NCCO: We know we'll be keeping you busy when you're here, but are you looking forward to any San Francisco cultural or food adventures while you are here?
LRV: Oh I’m happy to read this! I (of course) want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and I heard about some burger places, the dungeness crab, the sourdough bread (my mom often make bread and she asked me to try it), and to explore the hippie neighborhood, and also the Chinese one. I’m open to any recommendations!
NCCO: We’ll do our best to help you get to all of that, and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!