'Our ambition is to build bridges between the arts and the business world', Romane Oren, founder of Les Concertantes

What has your personal journey been like? How did your passion for classical music begin? 
 

I have been playing the piano since I was very young and have always had an instinctive passion for classical music. Alongside my training at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, I followed a demanding academic programme: I spent my secondary school years at the Maisons d’éducation de la Légion d’Honneur, then three years in the science-focused preparatory classes at the Lycée Henri IV. Last year, I joined EDHEC’s Grande École Programme and chose the Parcours Humanités. For me, studying at EDHEC is an opportunity to combine my artistic vocation with academic skills. At the moment, I’m also pursuing a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting in Italy.

Tell us about Les Concertantes. What inspired you to embark on this venture?

Les Concertantes is a new series of classical music concerts to be held on stage at EDHEC, in its auditorium, which is equipped with a magnificent Steinway piano. The idea is to organise a three-part event each month: first, a talk with a cultural professional; then a performance by a young musician; and finally, a concert by a major, internationally renowned artist. Les Concertantes is driven with great enthusiasm by young people and for young people. It is an initiative full of hope in a world where classical music is under threat. Today, the Les Concertantes team comprises around fifteen students working across four areas: artistic programming, logistics, communications and partner relations. The association would not be able to function without our network of partners, including EDHEC and the many local organisations that support us in this wonderful project.  

The season opens on 11 September. What will the evening’s programme be? 

We are delighted to welcome Alexandre Tharaud, an internationally renowned French pianist who is a regular guest at the world’s most prestigious concert halls. He will perform his recital Voyage en France, which will take us on a journey of discovery through the works of great French composers such as Debussy and Ravel. 

The evening will begin with a discussion with Francis Maréchal, former director of the Abbey and the Royaumont Foundation, on the challenges of passing on artistic heritage, followed by a short opening concert given by Merwan Mazloum, a young pianist supported by the Alexandre Tharaud Foundation.

What is the aim of Les Concertantes?  

We aim to create a genuine cultural event in the Lille metropolitan area, open to students and the general public alike. The promotion of classical music and artistic excellence lie at the heart of the Concertantes’ project. Our ambition is to support young talent, build bridges between the arts and the business world, and make classical music more accessible, whilst offering a programme of the very highest standard. It is by giving young people the opportunity to discover exceptional artists that we can instil in them a love of classical music.

How do you balance your studies with your commitment to music? 

I am convinced that the lessons in economics and management – particularly leadership and self-discipline – are invaluable for musical practice and for the career as a conductor to which I aspire. These skills are also highly relevant to activities centred around artists, particularly in the management of cultural institutions.

I am thriving in my studies thanks to EDHEC, which offers me a particularly stimulating environment that is conducive to hard work, the exchange of ideas and creativity. I really appreciate the openness and flexibility shown by the lecturers and staff towards students with non-traditional backgrounds like mine.
It seems to me that there is too little interaction between the worlds of the arts and business, and I am keen to position my career path and projects at the intersection of these two spheres.

The full programme for the season can be found on the association’s website.