Violinist Philippe Arrii-Blachette has Died, Aged 87

A champion of contemporary music, Arrii-Blachette has passed away from cancer

Philippe Arrii-Blachette began learning the violin at age 10. After his success at a competition, he entered the Nice Conservatory, studying with Charles Bistesi, whose students also included Christian Ferras.

At age 13, Arrii-Blachette was accepted to the Paris Conservatory and attended masterclasses by Jacques Thibaud and Henryk Szerynk. He later won prizes at the Mexico International Competition.

He was soon playing solo on European tours with conductors including Louis by Froment and Hans Swarowsky, and in concerts in Latin America with pianist Pierre Vozlinski. 

Notably, he recorded 20th-century works that were broadcast internationally, through Radio-Stuttgart and Radio-France. From 1978 to 1983, Arrii-Blachette was part of the effort to spread contemporary music as concertmaster of the 2E2M ensemble.

Additionally, between 1970 and 1974, he produced nearly 80 musical television programs, and in the following decade, served as director of France-Culture’s musical program at Radio-France.

For over 25 years, Arrii-Blachette was director of Ensemble Sillages, which he created in 1992. As conductor, he worked on varying contemporary works, and collaborated with Yves Klein from 1959 to 1962.

As an educator, he was professor of violin and chamber music at the Municipal Conservatory of Pantin, and supervised the National School of Music of Romainville and the National School of Music, Dance and Dramatic Art of Brest.

Our condolences to Mr. Arrii-Blachette’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.