Official presentation of a cello to Amanda Guigue during the New Year's reception at the Caisse d'Épargne Bourgogne Franche-Comté
- carla23198
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the Caisse d'Épargne Bourgogne Franche-Comté (CEBFC), a loyal patron of Talents & Violon'celles for many years, held its New Year's reception.
This event was an opportunity to showcase Amanda Guigue, a promising young cellist, who performed several pieces that she will present at the Conservatoire National entrance exam. The musician plays a cello made by luthier Roland Houël and funded in 2018 by the CEBFC on the initiative of Talents & Violon'celles.
Through this event, the bank reaffirms its long-standing commitment to young musical talent.
The Caisse d'Épargne Group: steadfast support
The regional savings banks and the Caisse d'Épargne group have been supporting Talents & Violon'celles for over 13 years, enabling our endowment fund to grow and sustain our mission of lending instruments. Their commitment consists of financing the construction of instruments commissioned from master luthiers, which are then loaned to talented young musicians who cannot afford high-quality instruments.
Eleven regional savings banks have acquired one or two instruments, including the Caisse d'Épargne Bourgogne Franche-Comté, thereby reinforcing a generous tradition that continues and grows with each transfer of an instrument.
"Our endowment fund is very proud of this partnership, which is fully in line with your company's CSR approach. Talents & Violon'celles owes its launch to the involvement of a member of the Caisse d'Épargne. We cannot thank you enough for the essential role you play, which, 15 years later, has enabled us to establish ourselves as the largest French instrumental fund."
Amanda Guigue: a musical promise carried by the cello
Amanda Guigue began playing the cello at the age of 6. Passionate about music and the vibrations of her instrument from an early age, she embarked on a demanding career path. At the age of 10, she joined the Besançon Conservatoire as a boarder, far from her family environment, to study with Sophie Paul-Magnien. In 2024, she obtained her Diploma in Musical Studies (DEM), unanimously awarded with honours and the congratulations of the jury. She is continuing her training at the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Paris, in Thomas Duran's class, and is currently preparing for the CNSM competitions in Paris and Lyon. Driven by the pleasure of sharing music, she always responds enthusiastically to opportunities to perform in public.
"I'm no longer afraid to assert myself."
A new chapter in the life of an exceptional cello
This cello joined the Talents & Violon’celles instrument collection in 2018 thanks to the support of the Caisse d’Épargne Bourgogne Franche-Comté, which financed its manufacture by the Yonne-based luthier Roland Houël. Since then, it has accompanied the careers of two young musicians engaged in demanding studies: Apolline Bandinu and Louise Berger. Now entrusted to Amanda Guigue, the instrument continues its mission in the service of musical excellence. Its official handover took place during the CEBFC's New Year's ceremony, providing a particularly symbolic setting for this new stage in its journey. Used in particular in the preparation for high-level competitions, it fully illustrates the spirit of our endowment fund, giving each beneficiary the means to take a decisive step in their artistic career.
"I'm very grateful to be able to enjoy this magnificent cello in turn. I'm preparing for the CNSM competitions in Paris and Lyon, and without the quality of this instrument, I would not be able to hope to pass these prestigious competitions. I've been working on it since September and I've already noticed that it has helped me strengthen my left hand and approach phrasing differently. It has helped me gain confidence musically, but also in general. I feel more comfortable when playing in a quintet, for example."
A shared commitment
Being at the heart of this chain of transmission is a constant source of pride for Talents & Violon’celles. Seeing the same instrument accompany young artists successively on their journey fully embodies the meaning of our work. Each cello entrusted to us is much more than a working tool: it is a precious part of our musical heritage, destined to live on and be passed on. This dynamic would not exist without the loyal commitment and trust of our patrons, whose support enables these instruments to express their full potential in the service of the musicians of tomorrow.
Together, let's give a voice to the talents of tomorrow
Your generosity is the driving force behind our work: it enables us to ensure that talent never lacks the instrument or experience it deserves. Every donation, regardless of the amount, helps us build the future of music and entitles you to a tax reduction.
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