Frederic Macarez

Frederic Macarez

Independant

Frédéric Macarez is one of the most active and influential percussionists of his generation. Through his extensive musical and educational endeavors, he has dedicated himself to advancing percussion arts, achieving instrumental excellence, and fostering strong connections within the percussion community.

A graduate of Jacques Delécluse’s class at the Paris Conservatoire, he earned a unanimous First Prize in 1981. His orchestral career began as Principal Percussionist and Assistant Timpanist with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (1981-1987). In 1987, he joined the Orchestre de Paris, becoming Principal Timpanist in 1993, a position he held for over 20 years. He has performed under renowned conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, E.P. Salonen, Paavo Järvi etc..

In addition to his orchestral work, Frédéric has an active career as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with artists like Martha Argerich and Tzimon Barto, and founding the Paris-Percu Ensemble.

As an educator, he is the Director of Percussion Studies at the Paris Conservatory-CRR, where he established the Percussion Department with a team of eight instructors. He is also a sought-after clinician, giving masterclasses worldwide in Europe, the US, Asia, and South America.

Frédéric founded and directed the international percussion festival "PerKumania" in Paris for 13 years and established prestigious percussion competitions, including the P.A.S. France International Percussion Competition. As a composer, his works are published by Alphonse Leduc, Alfonce Production, and Gérard Billaudot, where he also serves as an Editor.

After 37 years of orchestral career, Frédéric now focuses on pedagogy, solo repertoire, and bridging orchestral and solo traditions. He is a clinician and performer for Tama, Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Evans.

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Frédéric Macarez is one of the most active and influential percussionists of his generation. Through his extensive musical and educational endeavors, he has dedicated himself to advancing percussion arts, achieving instrumental excellence, and fostering strong connections within the percussion community.

A graduate of Jacques Delécluse’s class at the Paris Conservatoire, he earned a unanimous First Prize in 1981. His orchestral career began as Principal Percussionist and Assistant Timpanist with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (1981-1987). In 1987, he joined the Orchestre de Paris, becoming Principal Timpanist in 1993, a position he held for over 20 years. He has performed under renowned conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, E.P. Salonen, Paavo Järvi etc..

In addition to his orchestral work, Frédéric has an active career as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with artists like Martha Argerich and Tzimon Barto, and founding the Paris-Percu Ensemble.

As an educator, he is the Director of Percussion Studies at the Paris Conservatory-CRR, where he established the Percussion Department with a team of eight instructors. He is also a sought-after clinician, giving masterclasses worldwide in Europe, the US, Asia, and South America.

Frédéric founded and directed the international percussion festival "PerKumania" in Paris for 13 years and established prestigious percussion competitions, including the P.A.S. France International Percussion Competition. As a composer, his works are published by Alphonse Leduc, Alfonce Production, and Gérard Billaudot, where he also serves as an Editor.

After 37 years of orchestral career, Frédéric now focuses on pedagogy, solo repertoire, and bridging orchestral and solo traditions. He is a clinician and performer for Tama, Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Evans.

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FREDERIC MACAREZ'S SETUP

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Frederic Macarez

WHAT'S ON THE KIT

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