CLEMATIS
The clematis is a pleasantly fragrant flower that represents the principle of idealism and creativity… This perfectly justifies the name given to this baroque music ensemble: “creativity” because this repertoire can only live through an interpretation based on the moment and renewal, “idealism” because only respect for authentic sources allows this creativity.
In 2001, violinist Stéphanie de Failly founded the ensemble CLEMATIS, dedicated to exploring the lesser-known repertoire of the 17th century. The ensemble performs a wide range of works, from the vast Italian repertoire to German pieces, with a particular focus on forgotten works by composers from the Low Countries such as Nicolaus à Kempis, Carolus Hacquart, and Gioseffe Zamponi. It was the Clematis ensemble that undertook the restoration and re-creation of her opera Ulisse all'isola di Circe, which was first performed in Brussels in 1650. Featuring a dazzling cast, the recording of this opera is released by Ricercar under the direction of Leonardo García-Alarcón.
The CLEMATIS ensemble, with its flexible structure, brings together musicians chosen for each project, led by its founder. All are active members of leading baroque ensembles. In addition to its performances in Belgium, the ensemble has given numerous concerts abroad: France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, Poland, Bolivia, Mexico, Russia, and more.
One of CLEMATIS's areas of interest is 17th-century Italian instrumental music, primarily that dedicated to the development of the violin repertoire, as illustrated by recordings devoted to Carlo Farina or Giovanni Legrenzi.
CLEMATIS's other area of focus is the German religious and instrumental repertoire from the early 17th century to the first compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach. In 2024, as part of the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of David Pohle's birth, a recording of his complete instrumental works was released. And since 2025, CLEMATIS has been recording his complete sacred music.
For certain projects, mainly those involving singers, CLEMATIS may call upon guest conductors including Brice Sailly and Yoann Moulin.
CLEMATIS has a very extensive discography with numerous awards from the international press, mainly produced by Ricercar.
CLEMATIS also collaborates with other ensembles, primarily the Namur Chamber Choir.
CLEMATIS is in residence at the Grand-Manège in Namur and benefits from a Creation Contract with the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB).
Stéphanie de FAILLY
Artistic Director
Violin
Originally from Bruges, Stéphanie de Failly began playing the violin at the age of four. After obtaining her advanced diploma in Véronique Bogaerts' class at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, she continued her studies with renowned masters such as Hermann Krebbers (Amsterdam), Carlo Van Neste, and Günter Pichler (Alban Berg Quartet). Initially focused on the classical repertoire, she later turned to the baroque violin and in 1997 joined Sigiswald Kuijken's class at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Driven by a deep passion for 17th-century music, she subsequently pursued advanced studies at the Early Music Centre of the Geneva Conservatory with Florence Malgoire, where she earned a postgraduate diploma in 2002. In 2001, she founded her own ensemble, CLEMATIS. The ensemble's recordings and concerts faithfully reflect Stéphanie de Failly's musical affinities: 17th-century Italian music (Carlo Farina, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Vitali, etc.), but also the rediscovery of composers who left their mark on the musical history of the former Southern Netherlands, such as Nicolaus A. Kempis, Carolus Hacquart, Matheo Romero, and Gioseffo Zamponi. Recordings by Stéphanie de Failly and the CLEMATIS ensemble are released by Ricercar. In 2012, an album entirely dedicated to the works for violin and basso continuo by Giovanni Battista and Tomaso Antonio Vitali was released. For the famous Chaconne, Stéphanie de Failly chose to return to the original manuscript, revealing all the subtlety of the work. This meticulous work has earned her international acclaim, including a "Choc" award from Classica and 5 Diapasons from Diapason magazine. Stéphanie de Failly plays on a Giovanni Battista Rogeri violin dating from 1699.
