L’Orchestre de Contrebasses
(France)
The Orchestre de Contrebasses is a visual and acoustic phenomenon that defies every conventional expectation of a string ensemble. Composed of six virtuoso double bassists, this French collective has spent decades dismantling the instrument’s role as a mere background provider, elevating it to the center of a limitless musical universe. By stripping the stage down to six identical instruments, they unlock a hidden spectrum of sound that ranges from delicate, ethereal whispers to the massive, earth-shaking resonance of a full symphonic section.
Line up:
Christian Gentet – double bass
Jean-Philippe Viret – double bass
Xavier Lugue – double bass
Yves Torchinsky – double bass
Olivier Moret – double bass
Etienne Roumanet – double bass
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Travel party:
7-8 people
Available / On Tour:
Generally available 2026 / 2027
What makes their performance truly captivating is the physicality of the experience. Each piece is a choreographed dialogue where the musicians merge with their massive wooden instruments. The double bass is treated not only as a string instrument but as a percussive body, a resonant chamber, and a lyrical voice. Their repertoire—consisting entirely of original compositions—draws from the raw energy of jazz, the precision of contemporary classical, and the driving force of modern rhythms, all while maintaining a purely acoustic soul. Since its inception, the ensemble has turned the „low end“ into a high-art form, touring the world’s most prestigious stages from Paris to Tokyo. Their live shows are a masterclass in musical innovation, proving that through the radical limitation of using only one type of instrument, they can create an infinitely colorful and emotionally charged atmosphere. It is a rare, multi-sensory encounter that challenges the audience’s perception of what music can be, leaving a lasting impression of power, elegance, and pure wooden magic.
