Katia Labèque, a renowned French pianist, entered the world on March 11, 1950, in the charming town of Bayonne, situated precariously close to the Spanish border, a geographical peculiarity that would undoubtedly shape her artistic sensibilities.
Her mother, Ada Cecchi, an accomplished Italian pianist in her own right, was a former student of the illustrious Marguerite Long, who initiated Katia and her younger sister, Maria, into the world of music at an astonishingly tender age of three and five years respectively.
Marielle Labèque, a renowned French pianist, entered this world on March 6, 1952, in the charming city of Bayonne, France. In a manner reminiscent of her sister, Marielle's introduction to the piano began at a tender age, with her mother serving as her first instructor. The sisters, with their innate talent and dedication, went on to excel in their studies at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, culminating in their graduation in 1968. Subsequently, Marielle and her sister devoted themselves to the pursuit of a unique and captivating repertoire, specializing in the art of piano four hands and two pianos.
For over several decades, the Labèque sisters have embarked on a remarkable musical journey, effortlessly traversing an extraordinary array of genres, styles, and eras. Their extensive repertoire encompasses a broad spectrum of musical traditions, including the classical canon, the improvisational flair of jazz, the rhythmic complexity of ragtime, the fiery passion of flamenco, the minimalist elegance of modern composition, the ornate grandeur of baroque music performed on period instruments, and even the catchy hooks and experimental edges of pop music and rock.
Throughout their illustrious career, the Labèque sisters have been dedicated to recording numerous albums, each one a testament to their versatility and artistry. They have also had the privilege of sharing the stage with many of the world's most esteemed orchestras and conductors, fostering a sense of collaboration and mutual respect that has only added to their already impressive musical legacy.
From the intimate settings of chamber music to the grandeur of symphonic performances, the Labèque sisters have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate, and push the boundaries of their craft. Whether performing in a small, candlelit salon or a large, concert hall, their music has captivated audiences around the world, earning them a reputation as two of the most talented and dynamic musicians of their generation.
Throughout their journey, the Labèque sisters have been driven by a shared passion for music, a commitment to artistic excellence, and a deep respect for the rich cultural heritage that has shaped their craft. As they continue to explore new sounds, new styles, and new collaborations, their music remains a testament to the transformative power of art, inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike to new heights of creativity and expression.
Noteworthy among their extensive discography is their 1980 rendition of George Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue, which has achieved a remarkable commercial success, with sales exceeding half a million copies worldwide.
In addition to their esteemed interpretations of timeless classical masterpieces, the ensemble has also devoted considerable attention to the performance and recording of contemporary classical music compositions, showcasing their versatility and artistic range.
Their repertoire includes an impressive array of works by renowned contemporary composers, such as Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez, Philippe Boesmans, György Ligeti, and Olivier Messiaen, to name a few, thereby demonstrating their commitment to the advancement of modern classical music.
The renowned Labèque sisters, accomplished pianists with a profound appreciation for classical music, have also delved into the realm of baroque music, undertaking a remarkable initiative in 1998 by commissioning the creation of two Silberman fortepianos. These exquisite instruments, crafted with precision and care, have since been skillfully played by the sisters in collaboration with various esteemed ensembles, including the celebrated Il Giardino Armonico, the renowned Musica Antiqua Köln, the illustrious English Baroque Soloists, the distinguished Venice Baroque Orchestra, and the esteemed Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
The Labèque sisters, renowned for their remarkable talent and versatility, have had the privilege of taking to the stage at numerous iconic and esteemed venues, one such notable example being the Waldbühne in Berlin, where they thrilled a massive audience of 33,000 enthusiastic music lovers in the year 2005, and another being the majestic Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, where they had the distinct honor of sharing the spotlight with the illustrious Vienna Philharmonic in the year 2016.
The Labèque sisters have been fortunate enough to have had numerous esteemed composers create original pieces specifically for their unique talents, with notable examples including the renowned Italian composer Luciano Berio, the British composer Michael Nyman, French composer Richard Dubugnon, Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov, Chilean composer Gonzalo Grau, Dutch composer Louis Andriessen, Belgian composer Philippe Boesmans, and the American composer Philip Glass.
