NEW YORK — Raphaël Pichon, the esteemed conductor, found himself waiting at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on March 12, 2020, alongside the Ensemble Pygmalion orchestra and chorus, as they prepared to embark on their first journey to New York. Their flight was intended to take them to the Park Avenue Armory for a highly anticipated debut performance of Monteverdi’s “Marian Vespers” scheduled just nine days later. Unfortunately, an unexpected sequence of events unfolded; first, their flight faced delays, and ultimately, the journey was scrapped altogether due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. “In the middle of the night, they closed the skies,” Pichon recounted, highlighting the unexpected restrictions that changed everything.
Pichon’s long-awaited American debut finally took place in December 2021 with the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston, but this Thursday marked his first performance in New York City, where he is set to lead the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. His concert, titled “Mein Traum (My Dream),” features talented baritone Christian Gerhaher and soprano Ying Fang, showcasing compositions by renowned composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Carl Maria von Weber.
The president of St. Luke’s orchestra, James Roe, expressed his admiration for Pichon, stating, “He represents the future of classical music. He perceives the concert experience as something expansive and inclusive, envisioning a generation that seeks narratives that transport audiences from their mundane routine to a realm of extraordinary pleasure.” Roe’s initial encounter with Pichon occurred during the 2023 Salzburg Festival, where Pichon directed a captivating new rendition of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” under the creative vision of director Martin Kušej. The production featured surprising elements like conflict-driven scenes and complex character portrayals, bringing a modern twist to a classic opera.
Reflecting on his experiences with the Vienna Philharmonic, Pichon noted the stark contrast between their orchestral sound and the more streamlined approach he is accustomed to with Pygmalion’s period instruments. He acknowledged the challenges and unpredictability of performing with an orchestra that changes significantly from night to night, admitting, “Sometimes 100% of the orchestra shifts overnight, leading to experiences that can be both incredible and disappointingly ordinary. It’s an unusual world that I learned a lot about but will not pursue again.” His insights into the intricate nature of Austrian classical music culture revealed a deeper understanding of the society surrounding the Vienna Philharmonic.
During rehearsals with the St. Luke’s orchestra, violinist Alex Fortes praised Pichon’s remarkable clarity in communication. “He conveys his desires through a captivating physicality and employs beautifully expressive language that inspires all of us in the choir,” Fortes reflected, highlighting Pichon’s ability to connect with musicians at a profound level.
Originally from Brittany, Pichon has cultivated his musical talents from a young age. He began playing the violin, later transitioned to singing in a choir at the age of 10, and then shifted to piano and harpsichord. His professional and personal journey further intertwined with his marriage to soprano Sabine Devieilhe, whom he met in youth choir. Together, they live with their two children in a soundproofed home in Paris’ 13th arrondissement, an ideal environment that allows each member to practice on their respective instruments.
Baritone Christian Gerhaher first became acquainted with Devieilhe last summer while both were performing at Munich’s Bavarian State Opera. “She was absolutely phenomenal, so I concluded that her husband must possess equal brilliance. It must be a requirement for them to be together,” Gerhaher joked.
Since founding the Ensemble Pygmalion in 2006, Pichon has orchestrated nearly 70 performances annually at prestigious events including the Aix-en-Provence Festival and the Dutch National Opera. Notably, he conducted Léo Delibes’ “Lakmé” with his wife in Paris in 2022 and is currently working on a comic opera with French-Argentine composer Oscar Strasnoy, which is slated to debut in 2027.
“I’m quite exhausted from operas depicting dystopian endings,” Pichon reflected, expressing a desire for something fresh, humorous, and satirical instead. Despite his roots in Baroque music, he has also developed an appreciation for contemporary influences, such as the British rock band Radiohead, citing parallels between their adventurous spirit and his own pursuits in classical music.
As Pichon led the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in a rehearsal at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in Manhattan, the city experienced the harshest cold of winter. “What we are creating together contrasts strikingly with the frigid weather outside,” recalled Fortes. “He mentioned that our music encapsulates warmth, fire, and beauty.”
