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“Violist Aurélien Pétillot has a rich, beautiful tone that would be the envy of many a chamber or solo violist today.”

FANFARE MAGAZINE (Jan/Feb 2014)

Aurélien Pétillot's rich tone and musical sensitivity are delights to the

ear.

FANFARE MAGAZINE (Mar/Apr 2014)

In “What Lips My Lips have Kissed,” the veiled tone of the viola perfectly reflects the gray, disconsolate mood of the poem.

FANFARE MAGAZINE (Mar/Apr 2014)

“Solid-as-a-rock viola playing.”

MICHAEL COLGRASS. American composer

“Bed Music,” positively wails, with the viola taking on the qualities of a saxophone in heat.

FANFARE MAGAZINE (Mar/Apr 2014)

“Your playing is truly outstanding, some of the very best I've ever heard. You remind me of Manny Vardi—too bad you had never met, he'd have liked you.”

MICHAEL COLGRASS. American composer

"VIOLA BY CHOICE does everything a classical music group should be doing in the 21st century. And what is that?

Offering smart and alluring programs that feed the brain and the soul - and do so with polished, enthusiastic musicianship."

THE AUSTIN-AMERICAN STATESMAN

“The concert epitomizes the kind of eclectic, inclusive, lively programming that Pétillot promotes. Dialogue with other musicians, collaboration with other art forms, supporting the emerging composers of his own generation, digging through

archives to find the forgotten gems of the viola repertoire— these are things that ignite Pétillot.”

THE AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN

"Aurélien Pétillot is an ensemble leader in a tribe of adventurous musicians who are impressively pushing the boundaries of what classical music can be and how it can be presented in the 21st century."

THE AUSTIN-AMERICAN STATESMAN

"There is no question as to Pétillot's passion. His mission is not only to bring attention to the viola's rightful place in musical history but also to draw focus through performance to its central role in the established works of chamber music."

THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE

“The Chiaroscuro Trio achieves a humorous and playful, straight-laced and serious program.”

THE AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (Sept/Oct. 2013) 

“The excellent Chiaroscuro Trio has made a marvelous recording of my “New People” song cycle, along with four other pieces for mezzo-soprano, viola and piano by contemporary composers. Elizabeth Petillot is the first-rate soloist. Aurelien Petillot and Yuko Kato support her with great viola and piano playing. I’m proud of this fine recording and recommend it as representative of these songs.”

MICHAEL COLGRASS. American composer

“I've worked with the Petillots for ten years now and I've always been taken aback at how thoroughly enjoyable it is to collaborate with such strong musicians. Their new endeavor, the Chiaroscuro Trio, has brought their music-making to new levels and with the addition of Yuko Kato, they're able to forge new paths in their exploration of new music and new ideas. I was elated to write a new song cycle for their first CD and was extremely impressed at how well the piece turned out. I have been very much impressed at the technical and interpretive skill which the Trio has brought to the piece. Kudos to the Chiaroscuro Trio on their successful CD and here's hoping for many more!”

ROB DEEMER. American composer

“In his introduction to the second sextet, Pétillot had the rest of his ensemble play the opening bars without the first viola part. It was a good choice, as the moodiness of the movement is established entirely through the viola's wavy undulation, and sounded incomplete without it. The gesture summed up Viola by Choice nicely:

The viola is essential! In the end, what leaves a lasting impression is this message coupled with inspiring performance.”

THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE

“The sextet concluded with an exciting viola flourish, handled by Pétillot with confidence and zeal.”

THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE

"This accomplished violist, who recently moved to Bordeaux, played Ralph Vaughan Willams' "Fantasia on Greensleeves" with great sensitivity."

SUD OUEST (Dec, 17. 2014)

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aurelien petillot portrait ©Michelle Miller
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