Meet Quenton Blache | Cellist & Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Quenton Blache and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Quenton, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I find myself thinking about risk often. I grew up hearing my mother talk about the concept of “calculated risk,” where you know something is risky but carefully assess the pros and cons, and conclude that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. I have taken this to heart throughout my early career, and find that it has helped me greatly in making decisions. Upon entering college, I was unsure whether a double major would be feasible – I was working toward a bachelor of music (BM) degree in both cello performance and composition. At the time, there were very few USC Thornton students double majoring, and my academic advisors made it clear that I would have a completely full course load every semester. However, I knew both disciplines had scheduling crossovers, and I had a burning passion for both subjects. Now looking back as a graduate with a BM in both majors, it was a risk that paid off immensely – I got to meet so many inspiring people from both worlds, and prospered greatly by bridging the gap between those worlds. I have written works for my performer colleagues, and have played cello in works by my composer colleagues. Of course there were moments during my undergrad where balancing the two was not easy, but my perseverance, which flourished out of passion, has served me unimaginably well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a cellist and composer, I have had the good fortune of seeing and participating in multiple aspects of the classical music world. Over the past few years, one thing has truly led to another – a piece I was commissioned to write for cellist Tommy Mesa and the Colburn School garnered attention by the Sphinx Organization, which commissioned me to write the opening piece for the professional string ensemble Sphinx Virtuosi’s 2023-2024 tour. I’m sure it also helped that I toured with the group as a cellist the past two years, a perfect example of how both cello and composition have been mutually beneficial.

Since I’m involved in the performing world as much as I am in composition, I’ve noticed that my writing style pays significant attention to the performer. In other words, I tend to write music that I’d love to perform myself. That way, everyone gets a piece of enjoyment – the performers are happy, the composer is happy, and (hopefully) the audience is happy as well. I’ve found that this is what makes performances electric, and leaves listeners wanting to hear more.

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?
Though I’ve been in school in LA for a few years now, I feel like there is still so much to explore in and out of the city! If a best friend was in town, I’d first take them to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. There is something about the beach and quaint shops along the boardwalk that make it a special spot for me. I’d also take them to Little Tokyo for a great meal, most probably the Kura Revolving Sushi Bar! A cool place to simply hang out is Griffith Park for a picnic or the Griffith Observatory for a trip to the stars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have helped shape my journey bringing me to where I am today, but I would be remiss not to specifically give a shoutout to my mother. She was the one who played piano in our downstairs living room, exposing me to classical music as a toddler. Soon I was able to replicate on the piano what she played, which prompted her to put me in music lessons. From then on throughout childhood, all the way through middle and high school, my mother transported me from lessons to rehearsals and traveled with me to summer music programs while my father worked daily to provide financially for such expenses. My entire family fully supported my musical endeavors, and were all the more excited once I decided to pursue music as a career. Their support served as the backbone for my college studies and success both in and out of school.

Website: quentonxavierblache.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quenton.blache

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@QuentonBlache

Image Credits
Ethan Rayala, Carlin Ma