Spark is a quintet which re-thinks the classics, presenting Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart & Co in a new light and creating points of contact with the sounds and lifestyle of the present day. Classical at heart, outwardly wilful, inquisitive and nonconformist, the five musicians pitch their tent on the open ground between classical works, minimal music, electro and avant-garde. With enthusiasm and abandon, styles are mixed and a galaxy of sonic options is explored – given that their well-stocked arsenal of instruments offers over 40 different flutes, violin, viola, violoncello, melodica and piano. No one piece is like the next, and yet they all bear the original, unmistakable fingerprints of this exciting ensemble. An ECHO Klassik Award winner in 2011, the ten-year-old grouping has played its way into the vanguard of the young creative classical scene. The quintet is now well established at the world’s biggest venues and festivals – whether in chamber performances or in a solo role with orchestra. The group is cherished by its fans above all for its thrilling, highly energetic live performances, which see the five talented musicians getting physical on stage with ebullient vitality and the pulsating power of a rock band. Together they present music that ignites passion. Together they spark.

We speak to Spark cellist, Victor Plumettaz.

When did you start playing the cello and why?

My father was a cellist at the Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchester and I was listening to many of their concerts at Alte Oper Frankfurt since I was child. When I turned 6, I wanted to start playing cello. My father borrowed a small baby cello for me and I realized that it was very painful to put the fingers on the strings for the first time. But I was very impressed how all the cellists of the orchestra lay down their cellos on the chair in the break. So I started practising to put my cello on the chair every day, with a lot of caution, like they all do. But one day I was inattentive and my cello fell down and the fingerboard was broken. That was my first experience. I was shocked. But 4 years later, when I was 10, I started practising seriously, attending cello lessons etc.

What is your favourite piece of music for the cello?

I think for most cellists it’s the 6 Suites by Bach. But I also love the Kodaly Sonata very much, as I grew up with Hungarian folk music. So this music touches me very deeply.

Describe your own music in 3 words.

Energy, emotion, fun.

Tell us your first memory of London.

Sherlock Holmes 🙂 I’m a big fan. The first place I visited there was Baker Street.

What is one piece of classical music you couldn’t live without?

Bach Goldberg Variatons, interpreted by Glenn Gould (late recording).