It seems this year is dedicated to string instruments!

Since finishing 3 sur 5, for accordion and 2 percussionists, in late January, I have been working on my first ever string quartet.

Strings are my favourite instruments, and after Limun and Clangs I thought I might be ready to finally write a string quartet. That’s why when Julia Gerlach — the head of the music section at the Berliner Künstlerprogramm des DAAD — asked me what project I would like to develop during my residency in Berlin, I proposed a string quartet. I am already looking forward to the premiere in November with the musicians of Quatuor Diotima.

In the last few years I have had the chance to work very closely with musicians — Séverine Ballon, Barbara Maurer, Melise Mellinger and Gilles Durot amongst others — and I hope to continue in this direction. I like to shape my pieces according to the qualities of the musicians I’m working with; the music should fit them, almost like set of clothes. Besides, it gives me the chance to discover the piece step by step, and not just a week before the concert.

It is such a privilege to work with the musicians of Quatuor Diotima and I thank them all for their commitment in these projects!