Biography

Sylvain Dessane is a French violist based in the Netherlands, passionate about chamber music, orchestral playing, and teaching. Over the years, he has performed across Europe, sharing music with audiences in a variety of settings, from concert halls to intimate chamber music venues.

For more than a decade, Sylvain was the violist of the Aristos Quartet, performing at festivals such as the Grachtenfestival, Tiberius Week, and the Edinburgh Festival. He has had the chance to collaborate with inspiring musicians, including Sander Lekkerkerk, Frank van de Laar, and Rosanne Philippens, as well as ensembles like Kamerata Zuid and the Ebony Ensemble.

His musical training started at the Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt, where he studied viola with Isabelle Lequien. While completing his studies there, he took part in an Erasmus exchange at Trinity College of Music in London, studying with Rivka Golani. He later moved to the Netherlands to continue his education at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, where he studied with Liesbeth Steffens and Mikhail Zemtsov. Further specializing in chamber music, he completed advanced quartet studies at the NSKA, working with Stefan Metz, Sven Arne Tepl, and members of the Danel Quartet, and attended masterclasses with Heime Müller, Hariolf Schlichtig, and Eberhard Feltz.

Besides playing chamber music, Sylvain enjoys performing with orchestras such as Residentie Orkest and PHION, and he explores a wide range of repertoire, from contemporary works to baroque music.

Teaching has been an important part of his musical life since 2015. He enjoys working with students of all ages, helping them develop their skills and find joy in music. He also coaches chamber music groups, guiding them in ensemble playing, interpretation, and stage presence.

For performances, collaborations, or inquiries, feel free to get in touch.