Cellist Michel Poulet has Died

Poulet was a member of the Ysaÿe Quartet for nine years

The French cellist Michel Poulet has passed away. At the beginning of his career, he was awarded first prizes in cello and chamber music at the Paris Conservatoire in 1982.

In 1986, he joined the Ysaÿe Quartet, replacing Carlos Dourthe. During his tenure, the ensemble took second prize at Italy’s Trapani Competition in 1987 and the Portsmouth International and Evian Competitions in 1988.

Praised internationally for their interpretations of Debussy and Ravel, the quartet championed a number of contemporary composers - and premiered works by André Boucourechliev, Friedrich Cerha, and Eric Tanguy.

He played in the ensemble until 1995 and was replaced by Marc Coppey. The ensemble disbanded as a whole in 2014.

Poulet went on to teach at the Conservatoire in Toulouse.

Our condolences to Mr. Poulet's family, friends, and family.