Maryvonne Le Dizès, the esteemed French violinist and member of the renowned Ensemble Intercontemporain, has passed away.
Born in France, Le Dizès was a top student at the Conservatoire National de Musique in Paris, excelling both as a soloist and chamber musician. Her early career was marked by notable achievements, including being the first female to win the Paganini Competition in 1962.
She also made history as the first woman and foreign national to compete in the Carnegie Hall competition after moving to the U.S. for her husband’s career. Following a hiatus after the birth of her children, she focused on rehabilitating her technique but chose not to pursue an orchestral role, preferring to continue as a soloist.
In 1979, Le Dizès joined the Ensemble Intercontemporain, where she remained for over twenty years, collaborating with Pierre Boulez and performing works by György Ligeti, including Ligeti’s Violin Concerto in 1999.
In addition to her performing career, Le Dizès was a dedicated educator at the Boulogne-Billancourt Regional Conservatory from 1979, where she introduced many students to contemporary music.
The Ensemble Intercontemporain shared their sorrow on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maryvonne Le Dizès, a distinguished musician and educator who played with us for over twenty years. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Le Dizès expressed her passion for contemporary music in a 1998 interview, saying, “Working with composers, discussing a score with its author, and realizing their vision together is what drives me.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Le Dizès’s family, friends, and colleagues.
