Gauthier Herrmann is a person of exceptional contrasts, seamlessly mixing the self-discipline of a live performance cellist with the endurance of an ultra-trail runner and the imaginative and prescient of a cultural entrepreneur. Recognized for his dynamic chamber music ensemble, Artie’s, Herrmann has traveled throughout greater than 50 international locations, cultivating not solely performances however deep-rooted connections between numerous musical traditions and artists. Since founding Artie’s in 2001, his barely “loopy venture” has advanced into a worldwide motion, bringing musicians from diverse backgrounds right into a shared journey of music, loyalty, and cross-cultural camaraderie. From making a Franco-Saudi musical fusion to working 900 kilometers to help tradition throughout the pandemic, Herrmann’s adventures transcend boundaries—very similar to the music he champions. On this interview, Herrmann shares insights into his distinctive journey, from launching Artie’s to balancing the passions that form his life.
Nikhil Sardana: You’ve had an extremely numerous profession, from being a celebrated cellist to an ultra-trailer and entrepreneur. How do you stability these totally different passions, and what motivates you to constantly push the boundaries?
Gauthier Herrmann: All three of those passions have change into integral components of my work. What unites them is their limitless potential for discovery, enchancment, and sharing. My drive to be a greater cellist, artist, entrepreneur, and runner—and to share these experiences with as many individuals as potential—is one thing that can carry me ahead for a few years.
NS: Artie’s has change into a worldwide venture, with musicians from totally different cultures coming collectively. How do you foster a way of unity and loyalty inside such a various collective, and what are some memorable moments that stand out out of your travels?
GH: Loyalty is extremely vital to me. As an example, my pricey pal Romain Descharmes can be becoming a member of us within the upcoming version; he has accompanied me to India 5 – 6 occasions, together with our first live performance in March 2008. The spirit of sharing has made Artie’s a profoundly enriching venture. We’ve carried out in over 50 international locations and infrequently join with native artists, creating bonds via music. For instance, after our Indian live shows, we used to play Bollywood music as encores. In Saudi Arabia, we developed a Franco-Saudi venture, collaborating with oud, ney, and qanun gamers. These encounters have opened up the world for us in exceptional methods.
NS: You’ve described the creation of Artie’s as a ‘barely loopy venture.’ Wanting again, what have been the largest challenges you confronted in getting it off the bottom, and the way has your imaginative and prescient for it advanced over time?
GH: It was a daring endeavour for a lot of causes. At simply 25, with no prior expertise in enterprise, live performance programming, or occasion group, I launched into creating Artie’s—an Indian personal restricted firm. The space from hand-crafted it much more daunting. With out the immense help of my pals in Pune, none of it will have been potential. My spouse, Mathilde, has additionally been a steadfast help all through these previous 16 years.
NS: Your working adventures, notably the JCPLC initiative the place you ran 900 km to help tradition, are a putting instance of your dedication to the humanities. How did this concept come about, and what message have been you hoping to ship with such a unprecedented feat?
GH: In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, live performance halls have been closed for months, creating uncertainty and nervousness for us as artists. With so many unknowns, we wished to ship a message of resilience. We determined to “run for tradition”—to let the viewers know we have been prepared to run 900 km to help the humanities, and that, when venues reopened, it will be their flip to “run” to fill them. It was an intense, emotional expertise and one of the vital unforgettable moments of my life.
NS: Having carried out in over 50 international locations, what have been essentially the most vital cultural insights you’ve gained via your travels, particularly in international locations like India and Kazakhstan? How do these experiences form your strategy to music and efficiency?
GH: It is a huge query, however I might say that whereas my profession as a cellist has formed my considering, travelling has formed my manner of being. I’ve been lucky to journey extensively, beginning at a younger age, which has fostered an open-minded perspective. Now, I attempt to instil the identical values in my youngsters, instructing them to chorus from judgment and to understand that each alternative is influenced by tradition, schooling, and background.
NS: You’ve been coming to India since 2001, and it holds a particular place in your profession. What can we anticipate out of your upcoming go to, and the way has your relationship with India’s music scene advanced through the years?
GH: After 23 years and greater than 70 journeys, I can confidently say that India is my favorite nation. I’ve explored as many locations as potential, traversing nearly each state, sampling quite a lot of dishes and spices, and utilizing each mode of journey. I’ve additionally attended numerous Indian classical live shows, Bharatanatyam performances, and Bollywood films. This immersion has profoundly formed my Indian creative expertise.
NS: Your manufacturing firm, LdB-prod, is devoted to creating intimate, significant encounters between musicians and audiences. How do you see the way forward for classical music efficiency evolving on this more and more digital world?
GH: The digital world is fascinating; it has democratized entry to tradition and information. Nonetheless, nothing can change the expertise of an precise encounter with folks. Spotify and YouTube aren’t any substitutes for dwell live shows, simply as social media can’t replicate the enjoyment of sharing a meal with pals. As musicians, we now have a novel and irreplaceable function in bringing pleasure and emotional depth to folks.
Artie’s will return to India for a sequence of 4 live shows, with performances scheduled in Mumbai on November 5 and seven, adopted by Pune on November 8 and 9.
