Biography

After pedal harp studies at the National Conservatory of Reims Region, in the class of Mrs Dominique Demogeot, François Pernel is rapidly driven to composition. Passing trough Ireland puts him on the track of the Celtic harp to which he will devote much of his energy.

He commits himself to develop this instrument and free it from its old and conventional image, first by continuing writing a repertoire of his own (three collections −Something else for harp levers, Appetizers and Mixtures – to be published in September 2015), but also by interpreting the music of those who, before him, have taken part in the emancipation of this instrument (recording of Mariannig Larc’hantec works – to be published in Summer 2015.)

He keeps on, in the same time, exploring classical music and the great harp’s repertoire. His meeting with the countertenor Alexis Vassiliev will induce him to explore new work techniques.They complement each other by their experiences and should soon share many concerts. Their collaboration will reach all its dimension in the creation of “Nine Ave Maria” and of ” Stabat Mater” François Pernel has composed for his singer friend in 2014 and 2015.

He gives numerous master-classes with the intention of putting composition at the heart of his teaching. His exceptional collaboration with the association “Harp in Bag”, which includes young harpists from Acquitaine Region, reveals his determination to produce a contemporary music, lively and played by whoever would like to play it.

His trio Oak Ink is still an opened window on the way of using this harp called “celtic” in a jazz-rock context.