Born in Brest in 1990, Maëla obtained her Musical Diplomas at the Conservatories of Brest, Paris and Brussels. Passionate about chamber music, she plays in various formations at many events and festivals : Origami, Courant d’air (Brussels), Préludes à l’orchestre de Paris (salle Pleyel), Tout sauf Debussy (CRR Paris), Les Harmonies (Billiers), Concerts at the university campus of Paris… 

How did you first get into music?

I had health problems as a child (rheumatisms). I couldn’t do sport very often and was slowed by pains and cramps.

So my mother proposed me to play an instrument. I started in the town where I was born : Saint Renan in Brittany. I played music in the bands of every surrounding villages.

Music was also important to my godfather. He was a renowned English teacher in Brest. He arrived in France at 20 after theological studies. He lived in Tulles before settling to Brest. His mother was a famous singer in Northern Ireland. 

Then I went to the conservatory in Brest. Music was a passion for me. I had the chance to begin to play in professional orchestras with my teachers at 14. 

I was good at school, particularly in sciences. I preferred literature but it was too complicated for me. The passion for people, the desire to discover new musical styles, and new cities were bigger. I was good at my instrument and I wanted to play in a classical orchestra as a professional.

I left Brest in 2008 to study and enhance my technical skills and musical culture at the Paris conservatory. I also spent two years in Brussels. 

Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?

I don’t know where I will be in 10 years. I’m more concerned about the present. 

I spent few years teaching and playing in Paris. I’d like to leave now. I’d like to travel and see other countries. I’m a concertist. I’m first of all a classical chamber music player and a contemporary music specialist. I’d like to meet new people, collaborate with new orchestras and ensembles. 

Other styles of music are also important to me. I like to improvise in all styles of music. From swing and be bop to world and pop music. 

I compose sometimes and have many songs for jazz quartet or quintet ready to record but my first job is to be a performer. That’s the reason why I wanted to become a musician. 

Pedagogy is also very important to me. I’ve written, arranged and transcribed 3 books for young clarinet players. It’s a collection named The French Touch’ Collection. I also like to give masterclasses and work with young students. 

What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?

I think it is to be connected to the present and open-minded. Today you have to be connected to other branches of work. You have to develop your technical and mental skills and have a minimum of competences and knowledges in every domain. You have to give your best everyday.

Who is your favorite musician?

My favorite musician is Wynton Marsalis. 

What is your proudest accomplishment as a musician?

My new album Reflections could be my proudest accomplishment. I like to create music. To play living composers music, to find a way to serve and generate my best in accordance with the composer’s will and creativity.

What interests or hobbies do you have outside of music?

I go to the swimming pool and do yoga quite everyday. It keeps me in good health, helps me refraining my rheumatisms and maintaining a good instrumental technique. 

Photography is another passion. It’s another actual way to express myself. 

During the summer I also like to go sailing with my brothers and father. We crossed the channel many times. 

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