Meet Christian-Frédéric Bloquert | Composer & Conductor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian-Frédéric Bloquert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian-Frédéric, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
That was a tough decision to make.

The real switch happened when I was studying mathematics at university. Although that was my major at the time, I was more commonly found on the campus’ rather extensive music library under a pile of scores instead of studying for my actual classes – much to the detriment of my GPA. My presence in the building had become such that the some of the music faculty had begun to assume me one of the music majors.

I found myself there after a rather unsuccessful and half hearted first round of auditions at the end of high school. I didn’t know what I was doing and I sought refuge in what I assumed to be a fairly safe course of study. It was obvious to any observer that I wasn’t happy though. After a year of reclusive study, I auditioned again, determined to become a composer. I had convinced myself that if I failed a second time, perhaps this music thing wasn’t meant to be.

It turned out though that I was accepted into Berklee College of Music, which provided dilemma. On the one hand, I was in a rather conventional career path and on the other I had the option to actually study music. In taking account my own happiness I made the switch and I am glad that I did.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Contemporary classical composition is an odd one… First of all, “contemporary classical” sound like an oxymoron. In the milieu we refer to it as concert music or new music – now you know if someone ever invites you to a “new music” concert it might not necessarily be because someone is about to drop a banger and you might be in for a very weird night. If you are able to work passed the initial shock (I’m exaggerating, it’s not always weird…but often) then it does open you up to a sonic world that a lot of people don’t know exists. When asked to describe it, the most apt answer I could find was: “Imagine you go to the MoMA, and you see a piece of modern art that leave you befuddled and confused. I do that, but you know…in music”.

I don’t entirely remember how I arrived here, although I know it started because I was utterly fascinated with orchestras. When hiding the university’s music library before making my switch, I would be studying orchestral scores trying to understand the inner workings of the pieces. From there it was a spiral into more and more obscure composition that I found utterly thrilling.

Composers are actually thrill seekers (I promise that’s true, just take my word for it). We are constantly searching for a new way to organise sound and, much like computer programmers, we look at instruments, or ensembles, and think: “What can I make this do?” This is why I think this genre, very broadly speaking, is one of the most exciting ones to experience live.

Part of its appeal and also what makes it daunting is that it is so big. Composition students today are faced with nearly endless possibilities in a musical landscape that seemingly has no rules and they have find their own little corner. It is a challenge that all artists must face but one I found has been particularly tricky in this realm. I am arguably still toiling with some of its implications but I think I may have found a solution that works for me.

I’ve simply decided not to limit myself stylistically and to explore multiple areas of composition at once. To let my mind wander and let my artistic voice be guided by the voice in the back of my head that goes: “Oh hey that’s cool!”. I might be the only one who thinks that but at least I’m having fun!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This city has so much to offer. I’m a sucker for a good hike and a good view so I have a habit of dragging my friends there – and there are quite a few of those around here!

In terms of food: tacos, all day, every day. Also the easiest way to blow friends’ minds who haven’t experienced it yet.

For the evenings, there is a veritable cornucopia of choice although my first stop would with the LA Phil. Truly one of the world’s great orchestras and a must for anyone in town.

For extra late nights (this was an accidental covid find), stargazing. If you’re in the city, you can’t see the starts but if you are motivated enough and don’t mind an hour drive north. You can find spots off of the highway that seem to be only lit by the skies. During the lockdown, we had little else to do so we found ourselves driving up about once a month. Also who doesn’t love a late night drive with friend and an excellent playlist.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are quite a few people that I have to thank for where I am! Firstly my parents, who supported me through everything and made this possible in the first place, my teachers, Richard Carrick, Andrew List and Matthias Pintscher who guided me and my friends who pushed me every step of the way.

All these people continue to inspire and help me in doing what I do.

Website: https://www.christianfredericbloquert.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_fredd/