Atsushi Sakai étudie le violoncelle avec Harvey Shapiro et obtient un premier prix à l’unanimité, premier nommé, ainsi que le Prix Jean Brizard au Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris dans la classe de Philippe Muller. Passionné très tôt par la viole de gambe et le violoncelle historique, il reçoit parallèlement l’enseignement de Christophe Coin en cycle supérieur et de perfectionnement dans le même établissement.
On le retrouve en tant que continuiste au sein d’ensembles comme Les Talens Lyriques et le Concert d’Astrée avec lesquels il réalise un grand nombre de concerts et enregistrements.
Il consacre son temps à la musique de chambre et au récital où il joue aux côtés de Christophe Rousset et Marion Martineau, accueilli sur les scènes les plus prestigieuses. Il est co- fondateur du Sit Fast (consort de violes), et du Quatuor Cambini-Paris.
ENGLISH VERSION
© 2016 by Chronique des êtres vivants
Atsushi Sakai has devoted his time and energy to viola da gamba throughout his musical career and has established himself as one of the most respected viol player from his generation.
Playing recitals and chamber music with artists such as Christophe Rousset and Marion Martineau, he has performed at prestigeous European venues (Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus, Queen Elizabeth hall, Cité de la musique etc).
In 2016, he has released his first solo album from the Aparté label, recording the five complete suites by Forqueray.
Atsushi Sakai is also a founding member of viol consort, Sit Fast. The group has rapidly made a name for itself and now appears at major French venues and festivals.
They also take part regularly in broadcasts on France Musique.
As a cellist, Atsushi Sakai has gone through a rich musical path and has distinguished himself to possess an uncommonly eclectic repertoire, ranging from baroque music to contemporary music. He has performed and recorded for numerous French baroque ensembles in the past and is now considered as one of the most remarkable continuo player in Europe. In 2007, he has cofounded Quatuor Cambini-Paris, a string quartet on gut strings specializing in classical and romantic repertoire. Their recording of the 6 string quartets dedicated to Haydn by Mozart, on Ambroisie/Naïve label released in 2015, has been widely acclaimed by the critics. Quatuor Cambini-Paris has also performed and recorded lesser known French composers such as Jadin, David and Gouvy, and collaborates frequently with Palazetto Bru Zane. Atsushi Sakai is also an adept player for contemporary music and has toured internationally playing works for cello such as B.A. Zimmermann’s cello sonata. Over the past few years, he has had the privilege to collaborate closely with composer Bernard Cavanna, recording and premiering his imaginative works.