Niccolò Paganini; Pablo de Sarasate - Works for Violin & Guitar (Sara Chenal; Olivier Pelmoine)

Information

Composer: Niccolò Paganini; Pablo de Sarasate

1. Sarasate - Miramar, Op. 42
2. Paganini - Cantabile, Op. 17, MS 109
3. Sarasate - Spanish Dances, Op. 22: No. 1, Romanza Andaluza
4. Paganini - Centone di sonate, MS 112: Sonata No. 1 in A Major: I. Introduzione. Larghetto - II. Tempo di marcia. Allegro maestoso - Maggiore
5. Paganini - Centone di sonate, MS 112: Sonata No. 1 in A Major: III. Rondoncino. Allegro - Trio - Minore
6. Sarasate - Airs Bohémiens, Op. 20
7. Paganini - Sonata concertata, MS 2: I. Allegro spiritoso
8. Paganini - Sonata concertata, MS 2: II. Adagio assai espressivo
9. Paganini - Sonata concertata, MS 2: III. Allegretto con brio
10. Sarasate - Spanish Dances, Op. 23: No. 1, Playera

Sara Chenal, violin

Olivier Pelmoine, guitar

Date: 2026

Label: Skarbo

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This album marks the return of renowned violin-guitar duo Sara Chenal and Olivier Pelmoine to the music that first brought them international recognition, including success at the Mauro Giuliani Competition with works by Niccolò Paganini. The recording also celebrates the legacy of the famed Sarasate Stradivarius, once owned by Paganini and later by Pablo de Sarasate, and now preserved by the Museum of Music. Following an international competition involving more than 200 luthiers to create a faithful replica of the historic instrument, the winning violin was selected for this recording and will also be featured in the album’s launch concert, linking the project to a remarkable chapter of violin-making history.

Sara Chenal is an accomplished violinist who graduated with highest honors from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon in 2003 and later pursued advanced studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory. After performing with the Opéra de Dijon from 1996 to 2001, she dedicated her career primarily to chamber music, notably with the Cordes et âmes duo and as leader of the Sine Qua Non since 2006. A sought-after festival musician and soloist, she has collaborated with ensembles such as Forum Sinfonietta and Musica de Flandres. Passionate about contemporary music, she has also worked with artists including Marc Perrone and Émilie Simon. In addition to performing, Chenal teaches violin at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Nantes and regularly presents masterclasses internationally.

Olivier Pelmoine is an award-winning classical guitarist who trained at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where he earned First Prize with Honors, and the École Normale de Musique de Paris, receiving its highest performance diploma by unanimous decision. He gained early recognition by winning the emerging talent award at the Festival International de Guitare de Montpellier and later earned prizes at international competitions in Ville d’Avray and Île de Ré. His 2005 recording featuring works by composers such as Joaquín Rodrigo, Giulio Regondi, and Agustín Barrios received widespread critical acclaim. Alongside an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral collaborator, Pelmoine teaches guitar at the Dijon Conservatory and the Burgundy Graduate School, while regularly presenting masterclasses in Europe and Africa.

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