Our rehearsal room is named after Patrick Robin
- carla23198
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
Last May, Talents & Violon’celles was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of renowned luthier Patrick Robin. We had the privilege of working with him for several years on projects marked by high standards, passion and knowledge sharing. It was therefore only natural, and in agreement with his family, that we chose to name our rehearsal room after him.
On Wednesday 21 January, the inauguration of the Patrick Robin rehearsal room marked a high point for our endowment fund. In the presence of his wife and daughter, this moment of reflection and sharing was an opportunity to pay tribute to him and keep his memory alive at the heart of Maison Talents & Violon’celles.
Patrick Robin, a leading figure in world luthiery
Recognised worldwide for the finesse of his craftsmanship and the exceptional sound of his instruments, Patrick Robin was a major figure in contemporary luthiery. His career was crowned with the prestigious title of Master of Art, awarded by the Ministry of Culture in 2000, in recognition of his exceptional expertise and his role in passing on his art. Throughout his career, he also received numerous prestigious awards, including the Prix de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts and the Prix de la Fondation Marcel Vatelot. His creations are now played by soloists and musicians in the world's leading orchestras.
Talents & Violon’celles had the privilege of collaborating with this great craftsman through the creation of two exceptional instruments, which have enabled and continue to enable young talents to flourish.
"New instruments, young, already with their own personality and qualities, just waiting to be played, educated and trained to join their Cremona predecessors at the pinnacle... Their destiny is similar to that of a young musician embarking on the long journey of music. What a wonderful project to bring them together, to help them develop and grow together!" Patrick Robin
To make the musical heritage resonate
The evening was an emotionally charged musical event, bringing together luthiers who had worked alongside Patrick Robin and three musicians who had had the good fortune to play his instruments.
Cellist Marion Le Gal La Salle, currently a student at the CNSMDP, opened the evening by performing the first movement of Gaspar Cassadó's Suite for Solo Cello on a Robin cello loaned since September 2025 and funded by the Caisse d'Epargne Loire Drôme Ardèche.
Paul Zientara, a violist nominated for the Victoires de la Musique Classique awards in 2025, performed Kenji Bunch's The 3 Gs as a soloist on his own Patrick Robin viola, which he commissioned after receiving a loan financed by the Safran Corporate Foundation for Music from April 2021 to March 2024. This commission also demonstrates the confidence and admiration that young talents have for Patrick Robin's work.
Finally, Gaétane Régis-Terrel, a viola student at the CNSMDP and, since March 2024, custodian of the viola made by Patrick Robin, previously loaned to Paul Zientara. Together, they performed Franck Bridge's Lament duet on these exceptional instruments, highlighting the rich sound and fine craftsmanship of the French luthier.
Patrick Robin's instruments will forever perpetuate his music in the hands of young talents, passing on his musical legacy.
A moving tribute
The unveiling of the plaque in the rehearsal room was an emotional moment. Patrick Robin's daughter, Élisa, and his wife, Saskia Bergink, surrounded by the president of Talents & Violon'celles, François-Xavier Anscutter, together removed the cloth, revealing the name of Patrick Robin. This symbolic gesture shows how much his memory and his commitment to passing on his knowledge will live on within our walls. His name will continue to resonate and inspire future generations of musicians who come to work here.
"The Talents & Violon'celles team remembers him as a passionate man whose work directly served his mission: to give young musicians the means to develop their talent. Working with him was a privilege." The Talents & Violon'celles team
The Art of Luthiers, an Exceptional Heritage
We are committed to developing and preserving instrumental and musical heritage by promoting the expertise of luthiers. Thanks to our collaborations with numerous passionate artisans, each instrument becomes a living vessel for a tradition that spans generations.
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