Various Composers - Melodies in a Bottle (Vassilena Serafimova; Quatuor Ardeo)

Information

• Jean Cras - Harp Quintet (arr. Vassilena Serafimova)
• Claude Debussy - Danse sacrée et danse profane, L. 103 (arr. Quatuor Ardeo & Vassilena Serafimova)
• Arvo Pärt - Fratres (Version for String Quartet)
• Antonio Vivaldi - Violin Concerto in G Minor, RV 315 "L’Estate" (arr. Quatuor Ardeo & Vassilena Serafimova)
• Erik Satie - Pièces froides: II. Danses de travers (arr. Vassilena Serafimova)
• George Gershwin - Fascinating Rhythm (arr. Hristo Yotsov)
• George Gershwin - Chinese Blues (arr. Hristo Yotsov)
• George Gershwin - The Man I Love (arr. Hristo Yotsov)

Vassilena Serafimova, harp

Quatuor Ardeo

    Carole Petitdemange, violin

    Mi-Sa Yang, violin

    Yuko Hara, viola

    Joëlle Martinez, cello

Date: 2026

Label: La Dolce Volta

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This program unites percussionist and marimbist Vassilena Serafimova with the Quatuor Ardeo, creating a dialogue between marimba and string quartet that generates new sonic perspectives through original arrangements. The collaboration explores a delicate equilibrium: the marimba contributes rhythmic vitality and a lyrical, resonant voice, while the strings provide warmth, flexibility, and shifting textures of density and transparency. Together, they reinterpret existing works while preserving their artistic essence. Structured like a travel journal, the program evokes imagined and real landscapes, where traditions and new inspirations intersect. Melodies in a Bottle becomes an exploration of musical encounter, guided by curiosity and creative transformation.

Vassilena Serafimova (born 1985) is a Bulgarian percussionist and marimbist recognized for her international achievements and pioneering role in her field. She has won major prizes including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich and the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart, establishing herself as one of the leading figures of her generation. A soloist and chamber musician, she has performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and collaborated with artists including Thomas Enhco. Serafimova is also active as a festival founder, ensemble creator, and educator, with a career marked by artistic innovation and interdisciplinary exploration.

Founded in 2001, the Ardeo Quartet has established itself as one of France’s leading string quartets, known for its combination of technical precision and expressive freedom. Trained by distinguished mentors such as the Hagen Quartet, Rainer Schmidt, Eberhard Feltz, and Ferenc Rados, the ensemble has earned major awards in international competitions and performs regularly on prominent European stages including the Philharmonie de Paris, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Konzerthaus Vienna, and Barbican Centre London. Their repertoire spans classical masterpieces and contemporary works, including collaborations with composers such as Kaija Saariaho and Thomas Larcher. Their discography reflects both innovation and depth, encompassing premieres, transcriptions, and major canonical works.

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