The Zaïde Quartet is Charlotte Maclet (first violin), Leslie Boulin Raulet (second violin), Céline Tison (viola) and Juliette Salmona (cello).
The Zaïde quartet was created in 2009 and has established itself on the international scene as one of the rare quartets made up entirely of women. The numerous prizes in prestigious international competitions obtained between 2010 and 2012, notably in Bordeaux, Vienna and Beijing (*), establish it as one of the essential chamber music ensembles in the classical musical landscape. He is today recognized for his high standards and his continued exploration of the sound spectrum of the quartet.
The Zaïde Quartet has been playing for 15 years in the most beautiful halls in the world and recently shared the stage with Martha Argerich, Nelson Goerner, Xavier Philips, Michel Portal and Lise de la Salle. The Zaide Quartet is dressed and sponsored by the fashion designer Issey Miyake.
The quartet repertoire is recognized as particularly demanding in the classical world. Thus the Zaïde Quartet founded ISQA (the International String Quartet Academy) in 2021, an international and intergenerational academy in which quartets can exchange and provide necessary technical, musical, physiological and psychological support in a holistic approach. From great masters to young stars, all are invited to research and play together, receive valuable advice and improve in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The musicians also have a special bond with the NoMadMusic label and its artistic director Hannelore Guittet, who has accompanied them since their first recording project and with whom they have already produced seven albums.
The quartet is also known for its diverse repertoire, which ranges from classical quartets to contemporary works, including those of Iannis Xenakis, Jonathan Harvey, Wolfgang Rihm and Sofia Gubaidulina.
Over the years, the Zaïde quartet has forged close friendly and artistic ties with several composers such as Bryce Dessner, Suzanne Giraud, Francesca Verunelli and Cécile Buchet, from whom it commissioned several pieces. They also collaborate with big names in jazz: Michel Portal, Marion Rampal, Sylvain Rifflet, Yaron Herman and join forces with different companies such as the Sydney Dance Company in the show “Impermanence” with Bryce Dessner’s music.
While being part of the heritage passed down by the great figures of the quartet, the four musicians offer interpretations inspired by their “imaginary laboratory”: the connection of sound with the body, artistic risk-taking and interactions with the public. The Zaïde Quartet is an “associated artist” of the Singer-Polignac Foundation and is supported by the City of Dijon, the DRAC Bourgogne Franche-Comté and Indosuez Wealth Management.
Charlotte Maclet plays a 1769 Milanese violin by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi on loan from the El Pasito association.
Leslie Boulin Raulet plays a violin by Jacques Bocquay from 1715.
Céline Tison plays a viola by Sebastian Rauch from 1720.
Juliette Salmona plays a cello by Claude-Augustin Miremont from 1876.
