Court-circuit

Founded in 1991 by composer Philippe Hurel and conductor Pierre‑André Valade, Court‑circuit has established itself as a leading ensemble in the world of contemporary musical creation. Innovation and a strong commitment to today’s music lie at the heart of its identity, driven by the energy of its musicians and its artistic director, Jean Deroyer.

Court‑circuit passionately champions the concert form and performs regularly on the stages of major international institutions and festivals, including IRCAM, Radio France, the Royaumont Foundation, the Venice Biennale, Festival Musica, Traiettorie, Musica Electronica Nova, June in Buffalo, Montréal Musiques Nouvelles, December Nights S. Richter, soundfestival, and Musikagileak. Its international presence in no way prevents the ensemble from embracing multidisciplinary projects, expanding beyond the strict framework of contemporary music to explore opera, film‑concerts, dance, circus arts, and visual arts.

The ensemble has collaborated with the Paris Opera on choreographic creations and has premiered several chamber operas in partnership with major institutions: The Second Woman and Mimi by Frédéric Verrières (directed by Guillaume Vincent) at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord; La princesse légère by Violeta Cruz (directed by Jos Houben) at the Opéra Comique and the Opéra de Lille; and Le premier cercle by Gilbert Amy (directed by Lukas Hemleb) at the Opéra de Massy‑Palaiseau.

Court‑circuit places a strong emphasis on transmission and education, collaborating regularly with conservatories across Île‑de‑France (Paris, Gennevilliers, Vanves, etc.) and with the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris. Based in the Hauts‑de‑Seine since 2012, the ensemble has been in residence at the Conservatoire de Gennevilliers (2014–2015), then at the Théâtre de Vanves (from 2015–2016), and, since 2021, in Courbevoie. The ensemble also initiated the creation of MusineKit, an innovative software tool dedicated to music‑making and sound arts, used both with students at the Conservatoire de Nanterre and with residents of healthcare institutions, making musical creation accessible to all.

Court‑circuit’s discography, comprising around fifteen recordings, reflects both its artistic commitment and its critical recognition. Several of its albums have been awarded prestigious distinctions such as the Coup de cœur of the Académie Charles Cros, the Choc du Monde de la Musique, the Diapason d’or, and the 10 de Répertoire.

Since 2024, the Société Générale Corporate Foundation has been supporting Ensemble Court‑circuit across its entire range of activities and accompanies the ensemble in the implementation of Jean Deroyer’s artistic project.