Virginie Fontaine

After studying at the Calais Conservatoire, she continued her career path at the Lille Conservatoire while at the same time obtaining a degree in musicology. In 2008, after winning a first prize in advanced studies at the Roubaix Conservatoire, she passed the French competitive examination for specialized artistic teaching assistant, before going on to obtain, 10 years later, her diploma for artistic teaching professor. She was subsequently appointed to the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Départemental du Calaisis.

She is constantly looking to discover new pedagogical experiences. She trained in the language of Soundpainting, most notably with creator Walter Thompson. She also works with physiotherapists on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. Lastly, she skillfully explores the blending of different instruments and their interaction with new technologies, especially using a looper.

She is very eclectic in her musical choices, and regularly performs with various groups in the Hauts de France region, including the professional wind bands "Coups de vent, Wind Orchestra" and "Voltige" – with whom she records for Hal Léonard Europe. She also plays with smaller and more intimate groups such as the saxophone ensemble "Collectif Sax", or the duo "L'Sax". Whether it be on stage or in the studio, she regularly accompanies a number of artists including Dany Brillant, and Anne Ducros – with whom she will be promoting the release of an album on the stage of La Cigale in Paris – as well as the slammer Abd Al Malik, in his show "L'Art et La Révolte" produced at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Moreover, her passion for sharing her music has led her to play an active role since 2015 in organizing "Les Fous du Sax" (The Sax Fanatics), an event that brings together over 300 saxophonists. Since 2017, she has also been a board member of A. SAX (Association of French Saxophonists), which in France acts as the main relay for information, communication and event organization on a national level (especially for congresses and saxophone competitions). Lastly, since 2012, she has chaired the woodwind jury for Rotary International’s young and promising talents in music competition, the "Concours Jeunes Talents et Espoirs de la Musique."

She is regularly invited to take part in juries, master classes, pedagogical days, or as guest soloist with wind / symphony orchestras, and readily expresses her joy at being able to share her work with musicians from all walks of life, and a diverse audience.