Read more news stories here
The death of French cellist Roland Pidoux on 21 September has been announced by his family, following a serious illness. He was 78.
Pidoux was born in Paris in 1946 and studied with Jean Hubeau and Joseph Calvet at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP), from which he graduated in 1965 and 1966.
He then established the Ensemble Instrumental de France with Jean-Pierre Wallez, later renamed Ensemble Orchestral de Paris; played with the Via Nova Quartet for seven years; joined the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris in 1969; and served as principal cellist of the Orchestre National de France from 1978–1987.
Pidoux formed the New Pasquier Trio with violinist Régis Pasquier and violist Bruno Pasquier, assuming the mantle of the original Pasquier Trio formed in 1927 by the brothers’ father and uncles.
He also established a trio with Régis Pasquier and pianist Jean-Claude Pennetier, and over the course of his career performed alongside renowned musicians including Mstislav Rostropovich, Pierre Fournier, Isaac Stern, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.
From 1988–2012 Pidoux held a professorship at CNSMDP, went on to teach at the Alfred Cortot School of Music. He also contributed greatly to the cello ensemble repertoire through the transcription of many symphonic, operatic, and piano works. From 2015 onwards, Pidoux performed on a cello by French luthier Frank Ravatin.
His son Raphaël Pidoux, himself a cellist, paid homage to his father:
‘My father was an absolute musician, but above all, he was someone who passed on his passion. He taught us much more than the cello: a sense of high standards, a curiosity, and a deep love for life. His warm sound, his creative spirit, and his energy will continue to guide us.’
A funeral will be held for Pidoux on 30 September in Paris.