The clarinettist
A committed musician
A rich and varied musical journey, Normand de coeur, Breton d'adoption, Thierry Besnard is a passionate clarinettist.
He regularly performs solo, chamber music or in symphonic orchestras. His interest in arrangement and orchestra direction allows him to explore new sound horizons.
His repertoire is eclectic: from Vivaldi to contemporary music, including klezmer and Breton music. He performed major works such as Mozart's clarinet concerto, Weber's, Debussy's, Artie Shaw's, Philip Sparke's and Rimsky-Korsakov's.
A career between teaching and performance
Trained at the Caen Conservatory, then at Rueil-Malmaison and alongside Michel Arrignon, he obtained his teacher's certificate in 1994.
For forty years he taught in several conservatories.
A versatile artist, Thierry Besnard is both a concertist, arranger and conductor. His arrangements are recognized for their ingenuity and respect for original works. As a chef, he can inspire his musicians and offer captivating concerts.
He currently heads the « Winds of Morbihan » in Lorient, is a member of several musical ensembles, including the Quintette à Vent de Bretagne, the ensemble « Microludes », piano-basson trio with Jean-Claude Montac, the duo « bush music », the duo with Sylvie-Médigue-Courtinthe trio « Cap-Horn »the quartet « Claude Arrieu »among others . Very pedagogue, he actively participates in the musical activities of the association « Saint Phil » of its municipality of adoption.
He participates every year in various courses, (Groix Academy, « Josquin des Près à Sées, music « Coast of Mother of Pearl » festivals, and concerts with the harmony of the Fraternelle in Caen or philharmonic orchestra of Morocco (OPM).
His leadership and artistic vision make him a respected and admired conductor in the world of classical music.
«I do not want to stop transmitting artistic messages and wish to continue to participate in more human exchanges.»
Strong pedagogical commitment
A recognized teacher, he encouraged collective play and offered his students a varied repertoire ranging from classical music to the Breton or klezmer tradition. He also organizes courses and workshops around the clarinet (to address technical aspects such as posture, breathing, detachment)
He received several awards for his talent and contribution to music.
Thierry Besnard is described as a born teacher, able to encourage his students and help them progress quickly whatever their initial level. With a rich career as a musician and teacher, Thierry Besnard brings valuable expertise to his students. His experience in orchestration and musical arrangement enriches his teaching, offering students a broader perspective on music.
Thierry Besnard's pedagogy is distinguished by his benevolent and stimulating approach, his emphasis on collective play, and his ability to adapt his teaching to the individual needs of his students.
His most beautiful experiences
He has participated in many concerts, both solo and with various ensembles. He played with the Orchestre Régional de Basse Normandie and replaced the solo clarinetist of the Ensemble Orchestra in Paris. He still plays regularly the first clarinet at the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra.
The «Quartet for the end of time » Olivier Messiaen is a remarkable memory. This was a rewarding experience that combined different art forms and allowed a unique collaboration between artists.
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth in 2006, Thierry Besnard performed several times the composer's concerto for clarinet.
The musical fresco « The perfumes of Lorient » by Jean-Michel Trotoux directed from Normandy to Mauritius via Brittany and Réunion Island. This fresco will again be performed with more than 40 clarinets in 2026.
The show « Clara's destiny » about the life of Clara and Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Directed by Bernard Pitti with Sylvie Médigue Courtin on piano and Clémence Ralincourt on cello.
