Camac Blog
A vision in Pastel: The Debut Album from Mélanie Laurent
November 22, 2025
Gold medalist of the USA International Harp Competition and solo harpist of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Mélanie Laurent is undoubtedly one of the most eminent French harpists working today. Given her background, she has a natural affinity with the ethereal music of her compatriots. In tribute to the exquisite lightness of French repertoire, Mélanie titled her debut album Pastel, a word rich with delicate connotations. We asked Mélanie what this title specifically meant to her. “The album title resonates with me in several ways. First, it's a nod to my origins, through the pastel flower, nicknamed ‘the blue gold" of Toulouse. It also represents a palette of soft, subtle colors, as well as a drawing medium, like the harp, allowing me to paint an impressionistic universe full of nuances. These hues evoke delicacy, transparency, and subtlety, suggesting without imposing.”Read more…
Freedom and fulfilment: the art of orchestral freelancing
February 3, 2020
Musicians are freelancing more than ever, and this won’t be changing any time soon. Is that a bad thing? The exciting careers of harpists like Nabila Chajai suggest otherwise. Read more…
Talking with Bruno Mantovani
January 25, 2020
Bruno Mantovani, director of the Paris Conservatoire from 2010 to 2019, is one of France’s best-known contemporary composers. You've another chance to hear his extraordinary concerto "Danse libre" for harp and chamber orchestra, in Paris on January 28th. We interviewed him about his works for harp. Read more…
Review of the Year 2019
January 16, 2020
Back in action after the Christmas holidays, we’re taking a moment to look back on the year just gone. It’s been quite a 2019! Read more…
