At the 2025 Victoires de la Musique Classique, Régis Campo received the prestigious Composer of the Year award for his bold piece Dancefloor with Pulsing. This work, which blends the mesmerizing sounds of the theremin with orchestral power, perfectly embodies the composer's innovative spirit.
A Remarkable National Premiere
After a world premiere in 2018 at the Ars Musica Festival in Brussels, Dancefloor with Pulsing had its French premiere on February 10, 2024, at the Auditorium of the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique. Presented as part of the Présences Festival 2024, this performance brought together the Orchestre National de France, conducted by Cristian Măcelaru, with the virtuoso Carolina Eyck on the theremin.
Both the audience and critics praised the performance:
"An explosion of sonic colors, a fascinating dialogue between the orchestra and the extraterrestrial instrument that is the theremin. An irresistibly danceable piece!" - Jean-Guillaume Lebrun, Concertclassic.com
A Success Widely Covered by the Press and Media
The event was widely reported in the music press and by specialized critics. Here are some articles dedicated to the Victoires de la Musique Classique and Régis Campo’s work:
- Le Monde: Exceptional artists honored at the Victoires de la Musique Classique
- Télérama’s review of the evening: Natalie Dessay triumphs again, Lucile Boulanger dazzles
- Concertclassic.com’s full review of the French premiere: Steve Reich at the Présences Festival 2024 – Inventions, Developments, and Legacies
Additionally, France Musique broadcasted the concert on March 20, 2024, allowing listeners to relive this landmark moment. Listen to the program.
A Score Available from Editions Henry Lemoine
Dancefloor with Pulsing by Régis Campo blends spectral music with energetic rhythms and humor. The piece features an extraterrestrial dancefloor, with the theremin as a key instrument, producing otherworldly sounds. This instrument, controlled without touch, adds a unique texture, especially in its "rock'n'roll" tones. The work's title and tempo instructions reflect a lively, "wacky" atmosphere. The rhythmic pulse, akin to techno beats, underpins the piece as the theremin soars with gritty, dynamic energy. If you would like to explore or perform Dancefloor with Pulsing, the full score is available for purchase from Editions Henry Lemoine, with the complete performance materials available for rental.
More information.
Explore Further
The recognition of Dancefloor with Pulsing at the 2025 Victoires de la Musique Classique confirms the impact of this work and the importance of innovation in contemporary music. A piece to (re)discover without delay!