Compulsory piece 2011
Polyphonie
The Swiss composer François-Xavier Delacoste has composed the compulsory piece of the 2011 Competition. The score 'Polyophonie' will be sent to candidates whose application has been accepted following the selection based on the pre-recorded video. Biography of François-Xavier Delacoste He composes for all sorts of formations, ranging from chamber to symphonic music. His orchestral music includes “Capriccio for chamber orchestra”, “Concertino for viola”, “Small symphony for strings”, “Loreley” for wind orchestra. His large-ranging repertoire includes “Le Déserteur” (secular cantata for mixed choir, soloists and symphonic orchestra), “Credo, tribute to Maurice Zundel” (Cantata for mixed choir, soloists and symphonic orchestra), “Bestiaire” (alpine suite for vocal ensemble), “Les Bagnards” (secular cantata for mixed choir, soloists and chamber orchestra”, “Bestiaire imaginaire” (for vocal ensemble), “Le Procès de Maurice et de ses compagnons” (for mixed choir, soloists and orchestra), “L’annonce faite à Joseph” (for vocal ensemble and percussions). “Amour mode majeur” (for women ensemble), “Paroles de femmes” (for women’s choir, violin trio, cello, piano and percussions), as well as various pieces composed especially for competitions, includes the Riddes Competition for wind instruments, as well as the Tibor Varga and Sion Valais International Violin Competitions in 2008.
Born in Monthey (Valais), François-Xavier Delacoste pursued his studies at the conservatories of Lausanne and Geneva, before choosing to specialize in orchestration, orchestral conducting and composition. During ten years, he worked as professor of harmony, counterpoint and analysis at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique de Genève. Between 1989 and 2005 he was Director of the Conservatoire de Musique de Neuchâtel, as well as Artistic Director of the Neuchâtel International Choral Festival. He is often called upon as a juror for national and international competitions. François-Xavier Delacoste has been awarded various prizes, most notably the French Ministry of Culture Prize. He is currently the Director of the Conservatoire Cantonal du Valais.
