Renaud Capuçon
The voice of the violin
Renaud Capuçon is one of the most acclaimed violinists of his generation, known for his expressive artistry and unwavering dedication to music.
From Centre Stage to Artistic Vision
Capuçon has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.
As a conductor and artistic director of prominent festivals and music institutions, he continues to shape the future of classical music.
A Life Devoted to Music
Born in Chambéry, France, Renaud Capuçon began studying the violin at an early age and trained at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where his prodigious talent quickly became evident.
His international career blossomed through performances with leading ensembles across Europe and beyond, collaborations that highlight his distinctive tone and musical insight. Capuçon has performed with leading orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, and the New York Philharmonic, under the batons of esteemed conductors including fellow Rolex Testimonees Gustavo Dudamel and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, with whom he recorded a Beethoven violin concerto with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
In parallel to his performing career, Capuçon has taken on significant leadership roles within the classical music world, including teaching at the Haute Ecole de Musique (HEMU) in Lausanne. Since 2021, he has served as Music Director of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, bringing fresh energy and vision to the ensemble. He is also the Artistic Director of the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, the Festival de Pâques in Aix-en-Provence and the Rencontres Musicales d'Évian, the latter supported by Rolex, where he fosters new talent and curates performances that resonate with audiences globally.
Capuçon's artistry has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur and Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government – honours that recognise not only his artistic achievements but also his cultural contributions to France and beyond. He plays the celebrated Guarnerius Del Gesu “Vicomte de Panette” violin, created in 1737, which once belonged to Isaac Stern.
Renaud Capuçon became a Rolex Testimonee in 2025.