Thierry BARBE
Thierry Barbe is principal double bass at the Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, double bass teacher at the National Conservatory of Music and Dance in Paris, as well as at the National Regional Conservatory of Saint Maur
Born in Metz in Lorraine, Thierry studied piano and double bass while simultaneously pursuing a science degree before dedicating himself exclusively to music at the CNSMDP. There he studied solfège and musical analysis (Casterede), music history (François-Sappey), harmony (Raynaud), counterpoint (Henry), electroacoustic music (Zbar), orchestral conducting (Dervaux) and of course the double bass (Rollez).
Thierry's teaching approach is based on a solid understanding of harmony as a composer, which values natural phrasing. With the Opéra National, Thierry has performed with many respected conductors and shared a platform for ten years with François Rabbath, who later became his teacher, instilling in him a free and open attitude. In 1999, Thierry succeeded Pierre Hellouin as president of the French Association of Bassists and Double Bassists (ABCDF), with which he successfully organized the Bass 2008 international convention in Paris. He has also served on the board of directors of the International Society of Bassists.
From 2000 to 2008, every year in France, the ABCDF organised bass competitions for all age categories, which fostered the development of our young bass virtuosos.
Thierry has given masterclasses in more than 20 countries. Alongside Marin Béa, Thierry is the artistic director of the Biarritz International Bass Academy, a summer bass camp held every August for six years.