Sophie Watillon

Sophie Watillon was a Belgian viol player renowned for her expertise in Baroque music. Born on December 7, 1965, in Namur, Belgium, she came from a musical family and began her studies at the age of sixteen with Philippe Pierlot in Maastricht. She later studied with Wieland Kuijken in Brussels and Paolo Pandolfo at Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel. Watillon gained international recognition for her refined and sensitive interpretations of early music and Baroque compositions for the viola da gamba.

As a prominent figure in the early music scene, Watillon was a member of several notable ensembles, including Hesperion XXI, La Capella Reial de Catalunya, and Le Concert des Nations, all under the direction of Jordi Savall. She also collaborated with other ensembles such as Il Seminario Musicale and Cantus Cölln. Her discography includes works like "The Art of the Viola bastarda" and "Pièces de viole," showcasing her mastery of the viola da gamba. Sophie Watillon passed away on August 31, 2005, at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy in Baroque music. Her recent releases include interpretations of works by composers like Simpson and Marais, demonstrating her continued influence in the field of early music.

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