Etienne Lépine-LaFrance (Québec)

Born in Montreal in 1975, Etienne L.Lafrance began his double bass studies in 1990 at the Québec Conservatory of Music and obtained from this institution the “Prix avec grande distinction à l’unanimité” in both double bass and chamber music in 1999. During those years, he also studied frequently with great masters like Paul Ellison, Joel Quarrington, Harold Robinson and François Rabbath. In 1999-2000, he completed a year of studies in Paris with François Rabbath, and received the New Technique Diplomas as a soloist and teacher.

Etienne is currently assistant principal-double bass of the Québec Symphony Orchestra and in November 2006, was guest soloist where he interpreted Frank Proto's Carmen Fantasy for double bass and orchestra. He is active in playing many styles of music from accompanying singers to performances of improvised music. He teaches at the summer academy of the Domaine Forget in Quebec with Paul Ellison and Francois Rabbath and is currently recording a CD of original works with guitarist Simon Proulx.