Unorthodox
Quartet
Experience the intricacies of a truly exceptional quartet, where the distinctive characteristics of the flute, clarinet, and bassoon—encompassing all three types of woodwind sound production—converge with the cello to create an unparalleled sonic tapestry. Delve into the nuanced world of sound production as the flute's aerodynamic airflow produces ethereal melodies, contrasting with the clarinet's reed-generated resonance that adds a rich tonal warmth. Meanwhile, the bassoon introduces an element of complexity with its unique double-reed mechanism, resulting in a timbre that is simultaneously robust and intricate. All the while, the cello's resonant bowed strings provide a foundational depth and texture to this remarkable ensemble.
The ensemble is formed by four accomplished musicians with Italian roots, now based in Brussels, on a mission to redefine classical music: Matteo Del Monte and Antonio Capolupo, respectively solo flutist and solo clarinetist at Brussels's Opera 'La Monnaie - De Munt, Gordon Fantini, solo bassoonist of the Belgian National Orchestra, and Eduardo Tonietto, cellist and artistic director of Brussels Muzieque. Together, they craft a mesmerizing fusion of sound that transcends musical boundaries.
This quartet ventures beyond conventional ensembles, showcasing the intricate interplay of diverse sound-producing mechanisms, resulting in a symphonic synergy that embodies the complexities and marvels of instrumental variety. Audiences are treated to a harmonious amalgamation where the distinct natures of these woodwind instruments, with their single and double reeds, meld seamlessly with the cello's strings. The result is an exploration of sonic possibilities that celebrate the art of crafting sound and the breathtaking spectrum of musical expression.
Moreover, this ensemble possesses a unique capability: it can effortlessly traverse the boundaries between chamber music and symphonic grandeur. Its arrangements and orchestrations allow it to evoke the intimacy of a chamber ensemble while harnessing the vastness of a symphonic orchestra, delivering an auditory experience that is simultaneously intimate and monumental.
Witness the Quartet's prowess in their performances—unchanged transcriptions of original string quartets, such as Beethoven's 1st string quartet and Mozart's Divertimento in D major, alongside original arrangements of symphonic pieces, notably the William Tell Overture. This exceptional ability to seamlessly transition between the two realms enables the Quartet to breathe new life into classic compositions while retaining their core essence.
Italian flutist, holds the position of solo flute at the Brussels opera house La Monnaie/De Munt; he also held previously the same position at the Verdi Orchestra in Milan. As a soloist, Matteo performed accompanied by the OSI - Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, Juniorchestra of Santa Cecilia di Roma, and he was awarded several prizes, including First Prize in the Giovani Musici Competition of the Arts Academy in 2006, First Prize in the National Syrinx Competition organized by the Accademia Italiana del Flauto in 2007 and 2008, First Prize in the National Chamber Music Competition "Città di Campagnano" in 2008, First Prize in Emanuele Krakamp Flute Competition 2009. Furthermore, he collaborates as First Flute with Santa Cecilia orchestra, Teatro del Maggio (Florence Opera), Belgian National Orchestra, Oper Ballet Vlandeeren, Opera de Liége, Teatro Regio Torino, Orchestra Leonore (Pistoia), Orchestra Italiana del Cinema, I Solisti Aquilani, Roma Tre Orchestra, under the direction of Gergiev, Metha, Baremboim, Pappano, Altinoglu, Gatti, Luisi, Janowski.
DEL
MONTE
MATTEO
Holds the solo clarinet position at the Brussels Opera House "La Monnaie" Belgian National Opera since 2016, winner also of the solo clarinet position at the Teatro Real of Madrid in 2022. He held previously the position of first clarinet at the BNO - Belgian National Orchestra in 2015 and at the Malmo Symphony Orchestra in Sweden in 2014.
He collaborated with National Orchestra of France as principal clarinet under the baton of the M. Daniele Gatti, with the Royal Concertgebouw orchestra, OSR – Orchestre de la Suisse Romande of Geneva, Opera de Toulon as soloist, Teatro Regio Torino and Haydn Symphony Orchestra.
In January 2019 He made his debut as a soloist with the orchestra of La Monnaie at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Bruxelles, playing for the world premiere of a modern piece dedicated to him by the well known Spanish composer Mauricio Sotelo, under the baton of the Maestro Alain Altinoglu.
He performed in important concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall of New York in 2022 with the orchestra Symphonic of Madrid, Mozarteum of Salisburg, Festival of Salisburg, National Auditorium of Madrid, Auditorium “Giovanni Agnelli” of Torino.
Winner of 11 international competitions, most important: 1st prize international clarinet competition "Marco Fiorindo", 2nd prize international clarinet competition “Saverio Mercadante”, 1st prize international clarinet competition city of Chieri, 2nd prize AudiMozart international music competition.
ANTONIO
CAPOLUPO
Throughout his career, Fantini won several important prizes such as 1st prize in his category in the World Music Competition (Vienna), first prize in the Sàndor Vègh Competition (president of jury Ivàn Fischer) in Budapest and the CD Award Prize at the 7th Manhattan International Competition.
He collaborated and collaborates as solo bassoonist in orchestras all over the world: the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London), Rotterdam Philarmonic Orchestra, La Monnaie Opéra House in Brussels, the Malaysian Philarmonic Orchestra, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini (Parma), the Verbier Chamber Festival Orchestra… And as guest bassoonist at the Berner Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, the KammerOrchester Basel, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and others.
He also participated in various festivals: Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Sion Festival by invitation of Pavel Vernikov, Amiata Piano Festival (Tuscany), the Schleswig Holstein International Music Festival, the Morellino Classica International Festival (Tuscany). As soloist, he performed with the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Colombo (Sri Lanka), Sinfonietta de Lausanne, the Belgian National Orchestra…
In February 2020 he won the position of Solo Bassoon, Section Leader at the Belgian National Orchestra, Brussels. From September 2020 he became an artist member of the Brussels Muzieque.
In September 2022 he was appointed as principal study teacher of bassoon at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.
FANTINI
GORDON
Eduardo Tonietto, Italian-Brazilian cellist, has been intensively active as a chamber musician, artistic director and music entrepreneur. In the upcoming season, he has exciting collaborations lined up with esteemed internationally acclaimed artists such as Mischa Maisky, Jerusalem Quartet, Lars Danielsson and accomplished Brussels-based musicians he has previously worked with, including Sylvia Huang, Lily Maisky, Stéphanie Huang, and various other well-established chamber musicians, concertmasters, and soloists from renowned European orchestras.
Eduardo has actively participated in numerous international festivals and showcased his talent in prestigious venues worldwide. Some notable performances include La Seine Musicale (Paris), Teatro 'La Fenice' (Venice), Royal Theatre Carré (Amsterdam), Rheingau Musik Festival (Germany), Galuppi Festival (Venice), Arnold Schoenberg Center (Vienna), European Parliament (Brussels).
He has also contributed as a guest solo cellist with Sinfonietta Cracovia, Brussels Chamber Orchestra, and Flemish Chamber Orchestra; additionally, Eduardo collaborated as a guest second solo cellist with the Belgian National Orchestra as well.
In the upcoming season, Eduardo will be conducting masterclasses at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels (KCB), while he has previously conducted masterclasses at the University of Rio de Janeiro. As a soloist, he has captivated audiences with his performances alongside the Brasília International Summer Course Orchestra and the Brasília University Symphony Orchestra.
Eduardo is the artistic director of the Brussels Muzieque platform, and he has already directed concert series for other institutions such as the Italian Cultural Insitute of Brussels and the concert hall Baixu.
