Alexandre Castro-Balbi

Cello

Bruckner. Symphony No. 9 (May, 2024)
Mahler. Symphony No. 5 (October, 2024)

Alexandre Castro-Balbi, a French cellist from Besançon, has reached the pinnacle of his profession, serving as Principal Cellist of the German National Theater and Staatskapelle Weimar. Beyond his orchestral career, Alexandre is a sought-after chamber musician, performing with artists like Lucas Debarge, Markus Groh, and Natasha Prischepenko. He finds his daily spark in football and hip-hop.

What career path would you have pursued if you had not become an academic musician?

I cannot imagine just one second having done something else or having a life without music. I am Latino, and music is everywhere in South America, even for non-musicians. I would have found a way to become a musician, even if not as part of an orchestra.

What do you particularly love about your work?

Growing up and playing music with my brother since childhood instilled in me a deep love for sharing music with others. I find playing chamber music and orchestra to be the ultimate expression of this shared joy. There is nothing quite like the feeling of creating music together, sharing the experience with an audience, and enjoying the collective energy of the performance.

What distinguishes Bruckner’s music from that of other composers?

I love the fact that Bruckner was an organist. His exploration of different timbres and the richness of his harmonies evoke new and profound emotions in the listener.

Utopia in three words?

Family, passion, truth.