Meet Véronique Filloux

What is it like working with Nicholas Kraemer?

Working with Nicholas is wonderful! He’s an amazing, sensitive, collaborative musician who brings a lot of joy to the process. He is also so attentive to the text and dramatic intention of every piece we perform, which makes it even more fun to bring these pieces to life.

What would you like to share with concertgoers about Bach’s Hunt Cantata and the excerpts from Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie that you’ll be performing?

This concert has something for everyone! These pieces are so evocative and dramatic, I’m sure the audience will find themselves swept up in the world of the hunt, whether in the fierce and even ironic world of La chasseresse in the Rameau, or in the more placid aria “Schafe können sicher weiden” (which audiences will likely recognize!) from the Bach.

What other projects are you looking forward to this season?

I just finished a lovely Carmina Burana earlier this month and am about to perform a recital with my dear friend and collaborator Peter Walsh! Next up, I’m particularly excited about a pair of productions with Opera Lafayette: Venus and Adonis this fall, and The Blacksmith/Le Maréchal ferrant by Philidor this spring! For the latter, we’ll be doing an original French and English libretto and touring the production among three states. We’re updating the setting and making the comedy accessible for all audiences. it should be a particularly funny and unique experience!

What is your favorite Baroque piece?

This is a very difficult question! Cavalli’s Il Giasone has a very special place in my heart, as it is the first piece I ever performed with Nicholas Kraemer, and the music is just stunning. I also absolutely love Handel’s Acis and Galatea. The moment where the opening sinfonia transitions into the first few bars of “Oh, The Pleasure of the Plains” is pure joy, like the sun is coming out!

What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

I did my undergraduate degree at Northwestern, so I am lucky to have many wonderful friends to visit in the city! Seeing them is my absolute favorite. (Also, deep dish.)

What music do you listen to in your free time?

All sorts! I’m currently listening to lots of Lake Street Dive and Vulfpeck.

Do you have a pre-performance ritual?

I do! I like to take a lot of time for myself before performing- setting intentions, doing some yoga or body awareness work, all that good stuff. A cup of tea is a must.

When you're not performing, what do you do for fun?

I love to knit and bake and read. I also love a good comedy TV series- I’ve just started Brooklyn Nine-Nine and am in the midst of my annual fall Gilmore Girls rewatch.

Is there anything audience members would be surprised to learn about you?

It’s probably not surprising based on my name, but I’m French-American! Also, I’m a HUGE hockey fan (Go San Jose Sharks!) and have won my fantasy football league twice in the last few years. (The latter is largely based on luck.)

Hear Véronique Filloux in The Chase on October 20/22.