Nicolas Gilles
Since 1986, Nicolas Gilles studied classical guitar in schools and conservatories in Clermont l’Hérault, Montpellier, Nancy, Mirecourt: Higher Diploma, with special mention.
In 1988 he took part in the special program about Classical guitar “L’École des fans” presented by Jacques Martin with Pedro Ibáñez as special guest. The same year he won the first prize in the International Competition of classical guitar of Romans (Isere).
He attended the French National Violin Making School in Mirecourt, from 1993 to 1996: Final Diploma.
He also attended the English Violin Making School in Newark, from 1996 to 1998: Diploma with mention “higher merit”.
Assistant to Charles Luc Hommel in Marseille, France, from 1998 to 2000 (mainly restoration projects in one of the oldest workshops in France).
Assistant to Frédéric Chaudière in Montpellier, France, from 2000 to 2002 (making).
He established his own workshop in Montpellier in 2001, making instruments for quartets. He move is workshop in 2016 to Villeneuvette an ancient Royal factory of the 17th century, 40 km from Montpellier. Is activity is based on the making of violins, violas and cellos.
Nicolas Gilles Awards:
2001 — Prize awarded for the sound of violin in the “Stainer” Competition in 2001, Germany.
2004 — Gold medals for viola and quartet; silver medal for cello in the VSA Competition in 2004, Portland, USA.
2006 — Silver medal for cello, certificate of achievement for viola and quartet in the “Violin Society of America” competition in 2006, Baltimore, USA.
2008 — Silver medal for quartet, certificate of achievement for cello in the “Violin Society of America” competition in 2008, Portland, USA.
2010 — Silver medal for cello, certificate of achievement for quartet in the “Violin Society of America” competition in 2010, Cleveland, USA.
2010 — Finalist in the cello «Violoncelle en Seine» in 2010, Paris, France.
2012 — Silver medal for cello violinist and silver medal for sound quartet in the “Violin Society of America” competition in 2012, Cleveland, USA.
2014 — 5 Awards, Viola en Seine Competition, Paris 2014
2014 — Coup de Coeur, Violoncelle en Seine Competition, Paris 2014
His instruments are highly appreciated for their sound richness and playing easiness by profesional musicians around the world