The 32nd Victoires de la Musique Classique shone brightly on the evening of March 5, 2025, showcasing the remarkable achievements of artists across the classical music spectrum. The grand ceremony, held at the Opéra de Rouen, was streamed live on France 3, bringing together celebrated musicians and avid fans of classical music.
Among the highlights of the evening was Lucile Richardot, who won the prestigious Victoire de la Musique Classique award for Artiste lyrique. Richardot triumphed over fellow nominees Adèle Charvet, mezzo-soprano, and Stéphane Degout, baryton, marking her ascent to recognition after previous accolades including the Diapason d'or de l'année 2018 for her debut album, "Perpetual Night." Richardot’s heartfelt performances, particularly her recent portrayal of Madame de Croissy in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites, earned her acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.
"Lucile Richardot offers the most nuanced embodiment of Madame de Croissy we have had the pleasure to hear, with her rich mezzo voice echoing the emotional depth of the character," wrote Emmanuel Dupuy for Diapason. This win not only highlights Richardot’s talent but also her dedication to the art, having trained at the Maîtrise de Notre-Dame de Paris and the CRR de Paris.
The ceremony, which commenced at 21h05, was hosted by Stéphane Bern and Clément Rochefort, featuring spectacular performances aimed at celebrating the creative prowess of the classical music community. The event opened with a dynamic dance performance choreographed by Mehdi Kerkouche, alongside talented students from the Rouen Conservatory. This element added vibrancy to the evening and set the tone for the remarkable performances to follow.
Another prominent figure honored during the ceremony was Natalie Dessay, who received the Victoire d’honneur for her distinguished career. Dessay, recognized as the most awarded artist in the history of the Victoires, brought her unique flair to the stage, making the evening even more special.
Adding to the highlight reel was the performance of 13-year-old prodigy Lucas Chiche, who dazzled the audience with his piano skills. Also lighting up the stage were the talented pianists Ismaël Margain and Guillaume Bellom, who performed an excerpt from Poulenc’s concerto for two pianos under the baton of Victor Jacob, recognized as the Révélation Chef d’Orchestre of 2023.
The 32nd Victoires also was significant for its tributes: it honored multiple anniversaries, including the 300th anniversary of The Four Seasons, the 150th anniversary of Georges Bizet’s death and the premiere of Carmen, and the 10th anniversary of Pierre Boulez's passing. This retrospective on the classical canon underscored the relevance and impact of historical compositions on modern interpretations.
Richardot’s nomination and subsequent win at the ceremony affirm her place alongside seasoned artists, demonstrating the burgeoning appreciation for talent from various backgrounds. "I’ve been nominated alongside artists with much richer careers than mine,” she expressed candidly. Yet, her humility belied the intense talent she brings to the classical scene.
Further nominees encompassed other categories, presenting exceptional talents such as Lucile Boulanger (viol de gambe), Nemanja Radulovic (violin), and Justin Taylor (harpsichord) among those competing for the Soliste instrumental award. The nominees for Révélation, artiste lyrique included Floriane Hasler, Julien Henric, and Julie Roset, each showcasing the future of vocal artistry.
Ensemble performances were not limited to soloists; the guitarists and small string ensembles made significant appearances, reminding viewers of the collaborative beauty intrinsic to classical music. The evening concluded on high notes of applause, recognizing the hard work and artistic endeavors of all involved.
The 2025 Victoires de la Musique Classique served as not just an award ceremony but as a celebration of the resilience and creativity thriving within the classical music community. The camaraderie between established stars and up-and-coming talent noted this year’s ceremony as one for the books. Future generations of musicians look to this gathering as both inspiration and validation of their paths as artists.
With every performance, artistic collaboration, and poignant moment sharing this year’s Victoires, the vibrant classical music scene shines brightly, eager to embrace and inspire the next wave of artists to come. This ceremony has reaffirmed the significance of honoring talent and celebrating the beauty of music, creating lasting memories for both performers and audience alike.