He is one of the most active Swiss composers at home and abroad. His name regularly appears in the programmes of the most prestigious European concert halls (Maison de Radio France; Geneva’s Victoria Hall; the Gewandhaus in Leipzig…) and contemporary music festivals (Festival Présences; Vienna Modern; World New Music Days…).

Born in 1946; Jean-Luc Darbellay studied clarinet; orchestral conducting and composition with Cristóbal Halffter; Dimitri Terzakis and (above all) with Edison Denisov at the Conservatory in Berne. He participated in seminars with Pierre Boulez at the College of France and at IRCAM. He completed his studies with Klaus Huber and Heinz Holliger within the framework of the Lucerne Festival.

His interests touch upon all forms and genres of music; which is reflected in his very eclectic catalogue of compositions. Claves is pleased to present a number of his masterpieces in co-production with Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk (MDR) in Leipzig. The 2-CD production is the fruit of the intimate collaboration between the composer and Italian conductor Fabio Luisi; who first became acquainted with Darbellay’s music when he conducted the world premiere of “Oyama” in Geneva in 2000; and five years later the world premiere of his Requiem; a commission from MDR. Five other pieces for different instrumental ensembles round off this “portrait” collection; the perfect introduction to this fascinating composer’s universe.