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Victor DesarzensSwiss violinist and conductor.
Date of Birth: 27.10.1908
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Paris and Career Beginnings
- Founding the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra
- Academic and Accolades
- Collaboration and Legacy
- Honors and Remembrance
Early Life and Education
Victor Desarzens(1889-1975) was a renowned Swiss violinist and conductor born in Lausanne, Switzerland. Together with his brother, Georges, he began his musical journey at the Lausanne Conservatory, where he studied theory and composition with prominent figures such as Henri Gagnebin, Aloïs Fornerod, and Alexandre Denéréaz. Desarzens honed his skills as a violinist under the tutelage of José Port.
Paris and Career Beginnings
Seeking further refinement, the Desarzens brothers ventured to Paris, where they immersed themselves in the musical scene under the guidance of the renowned Romanian violinist and conductor, George Enescu. During this period, they dedicated themselves to meticulously copying rare Antonio Vivaldi manuscripts.
Founding the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra
Upon their return to Switzerland, Desarzens became a member of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. However, his passion for chamber music led him to assemble his own ensemble, which evolved into the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra in 1942. Desarzens steered this orchestra for three decades, until 1972.
Academic and Accolades
Concurrently, Desarzens held the position of director of the Musik-Kollegium in Winterthur from 1950 to 1975. His dedication was recognized with an honorary doctorate from the University of Lausanne. In 1973, he received the prestigious Lausanne Prize.
Collaboration and Legacy
Desarzens played a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape of French-speaking Switzerland, alongside Ernest Ansermet. His collaborations extended to notable composers, including Frank Martin (their correspondence was later published). He shared the stage and recorded with renowned soloists such as Lili Kraus, Clara Haskil, Maria Tipo, and Vladimir Orloff. To commemorate Desarzens' centennial, the city of Lausanne unveiled a commemorative plaque at a bakery he frequented.
Honors and Remembrance
- Honorary Doctorate, University of Lausanne- Lausanne Prize (1973)
- Memorial plaque at a bakery in Lausanne (1989)
