Jean Rondeau
Described as “one of the most natural performers one is likely to hear on a classical music stage” by the Washington Post, Jean Rondeau is a veritable global ambassador for his instrument. His outstanding talent and innovative approach to keyboard repertoire have been critically acclaimed, establishing him as one of today’s leading harpsichordists.
Following a world tour of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations that lasted throughout most of the previous season, Rondeau’s relationship with this seminal masterpiece continues into 2023–24, with summer performances at La Roque d’Antheron and Festival de Saintes followed by main season appearances at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and the Konzerthaus Dortmund. He also performed the Goldberg Variations alongside his new solo program Gradus Ad Parnassum on tour in Japan last month, including at Bunka- Kaikan Recital Hall and Sapporo Concert Hall, promoting the eponymous album’s release by Erato earlier in the year. His current North American tour includes performances at the Princeton University Concert Series and the Musée des Beaux Arts in Montreal. Another season highlight is the 10-year anniversary of the ensemble Nevermind, with Rondeau and his fellow founding members touring the music of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre at venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris, the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Other longstanding chamber music collaborations include concerts with Nicolas Altstaedt, also at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin, and Thomas Dunford at Wigmore Hall.
Upcoming seasons also include performances of UNDR, a new creation inspired by the Goldberg Variations and composed by Rondeau in collaboration with percussionist Tancrède Kummer. The work’s premiere at La Grange au Lac d’Evian was described as “explosive” by the national press, resulting in subsequent performances at the Konzerthaus Berlin and Musikfest Stuttgart. UNDR represents Rondeau’s latest foray into the world of new music, following the 2016 premiere of his first original film score for Christian Schwochow’s Paula at the Locarno Film Festival and the 2018 world premiere of Eve Risser’s Furakèla for solo harpsichord at the BBC PROMS.
Rondeau is signed to Erato, with whom he has recorded several albums championing early music. His latest release of Gradus ad Parnassum was called “a triumph” by Gramophone, with Rondeau’s playing described as “quietly audacious” in the New York Times. His previous album (2022) featured J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations and was met with international acclaim, with the recording earning a five-star review from BBC Music Magazine. Rondeau’s Melancholy Grace (2021) was called “soulful […] varied, [and] wonderful” by the New York Times. Earlier projects include his debut album Imagine (2015, winner of the Choc de Classica); Vertigo (2016, winner of that year’s Diapason d’Or); Dynastie (2017), a collection of Scarlatti sonatas (2019); and Barricades (2020), recorded with Thomas Dunford, which likewise garnered widespread critical acclaim.
In addition to his engagements as a soloist, recitalist, and conductor, Rondeau is in high demand as a teacher. He has given master classes worldwide, from the Gstaad Academy to the University of Hong Kong, and makes regular return visits to the Juilliard School in New York.
Rondeau studied harpsichord with Blandine Verlet at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, followed by training in continuo, organ, piano, jazz improvisation, and conducting. He completed his musical training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. In 2012, he became one of the youngest performers ever to take First Prize at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges, aged 21.
Harrison Parrott represents Jean Rondeau for worldwide general management.