Talents & Violon'celles awarded the Hugot Prize 2025 by the Académie des Beaux-Arts

This is a very special moment and a huge honor for the entire Talents & Violon'celles team: the Académie des Beaux-Arts has awarded us the prestigious 2025 Hugot Prize.

The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, during a solemn and moving ceremony under the majestic dome of the Institut de France, in the presence of all the academics. Our co-founders François-Xavier Anscutter (President) and Raphaël Pidoux (Vice-President & Artistic Director) had the honor of receiving this distinction.

An award at the heart of our mission

The Hugot Prize seeks to “promote the training of elites, contribute to the understanding of France’s material and spiritual heritage, [and] give music its rightful place in French culture and in the education of mankind.” With a prize of €15,000, it directly rewards the fulfillment of our commitment: to enable young quartet instrumentalists who are finishing their studies or starting their careers to access a high-quality collection of instruments.

During the ceremony, we were particularly touched by the academics mention:

"We were thrilled by this project. Congratulations on this wonderful initiative."

Watch the extract from the formal award ceremony at Talents & Violon'celles.

Praise from Laurent Petitgirard

This recognition echoes the Academy's strong support. In the editorial of our previous activity report, Opus (published in early 2025), Laurent Petitgirard, composer, conductor, and Permanent Secretary of the Academy of Fine Arts, wrote:

"In an era where excellence in classical music is too often presented as elite. . . anything that allows young musicians to flourish is essential. [...] Talents & Violon’celles has become indispensable; it is a prime example of what needs to be done to show that concrete and inspiring alternatives are possible when we demonstrate courage and imagination."

A collective success

This Hugot Prize crowns fifteen years of work and constant commitment alongside musicians and luthiers. We would like to express our immense gratitude to all our partners, patrons, donors, institutions, and private individuals. This award recognizes the essential role you play in maintaining French excellence and nurturing future soloists. Without your support, loyalty, and trust, our mission, which has been recognized by the Academy, could not be accomplished.

Who are our partners and sponsors?