Gauthier Herrmann: Boundless Journeys of Music, Culture, and Endurance

Gauthier Herrmann is a man of remarkable contrasts, seamlessly blending the discipline of a concert cellist with the endurance of an ultra-trail runner and the vision of a cultural entrepreneur. Known for his dynamic chamber music ensemble, Artie’s, Herrmann has traveled across more than 50 countries, cultivating not only performances but deep-rooted connections between diverse musical traditions and artists. Since founding Artie’s in 2001, his slightly “crazy project” has evolved into a global movement, bringing musicians from varied backgrounds into a shared journey of music, loyalty, and cross-cultural camaraderie. From creating a Franco-Saudi musical fusion to running 900 kilometers to support culture during the pandemic, Herrmann’s adventures transcend boundaries—much like the music he champions. In this interview, Herrmann shares insights into his unique journey, from launching Artie’s to balancing the passions that shape his life.

Nikhil Sardana: You’ve had an incredibly diverse career, from being a celebrated cellist to an ultra-trailer and entrepreneur. How do you balance these different passions, and what motivates you to continuously push the boundaries?

Gauthier Herrmann: All three of these passions have become integral parts of my work. What unites them is their limitless potential for discovery, improvement, and sharing. My drive to be a better cellist, artist, entrepreneur, and runner—and to share these experiences with as many people as possible—is something that will carry me forward for many years.

NS: Artie’s has become a global project, with musicians from different cultures coming together. How do you foster a sense of unity and loyalty within such a diverse collective, and what are some memorable moments that stand out from your travels?

GH: Loyalty is incredibly important to me. For instance, my dear friend Romain Descharmes will be joining us in the upcoming edition; he has accompanied me to India five or six times, including our first concert in March 2008. The spirit of sharing has made Artie’s a profoundly enriching project. We’ve performed in over 50 countries and often connect with local artists, creating bonds through music. For example, after our Indian concerts, we used to play Bollywood music as encores. In Saudi Arabia, we developed a Franco-Saudi project, collaborating with oud, ney, and qanun players. These encounters have opened up the world for us in remarkable ways.

NS: You’ve described the creation of Artie’s as a ‘slightly crazy project.’ Looking back, what were the biggest challenges you faced in getting it off the ground, and how has your vision for it evolved over time?

GH: It was a bold endeavour for many reasons. At just 25, with no prior experience in business, concert programming, or event organization, I embarked on creating Artie’s—an Indian private limited company. The distance from home made it even more daunting. Without the immense support of my friends in Pune, none of it would have been possible. My wife, Mathilde, has also been a steadfast support throughout these past 16 years.

NS: Your running adventures, particularly the JCPLC initiative where you ran 900 km to support culture, are a striking example of your commitment to the arts. How did this idea come about, and what message were you hoping to send with such an extraordinary feat?

GH: During the COVID-19 pandemic, concert halls were closed for months, creating uncertainty and anxiety for us as artists. With so many unknowns, we wanted to send a message of resilience. We decided to “run for culture”—to let the audience know we were willing to run 900 km to support the arts, and that, when venues reopened, it would be their turn to “run” to fill them. It was an intense, emotional experience and one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

NS: Having performed in over 50 countries, what have been the most significant cultural insights you’ve gained through your travels, especially in countries like India and Kazakhstan? How do these experiences shape your approach to music and performance?

GH: This is a vast question, but I would say that while my career as a cellist has shaped my thinking, travelling has shaped my way of being. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, starting at a young age, which has fostered an open-minded perspective. Now, I try to instil the same values in my children, teaching them to refrain from judgment and to appreciate that every choice is influenced by culture, education, and background.

NS: You’ve been coming to India since 2001, and it holds a special place in your career. What can we expect from your upcoming visit, and how has your relationship with India’s music scene evolved over the years?

GH: After 23 years and more than 70 trips, I can confidently say that India is my favourite country. I’ve explored as many places as possible, traversing almost every state, sampling a variety of dishes and spices, and using every mode of travel. I’ve also attended countless Indian classical concerts, Bharatanatyam performances, and Bollywood movies. This immersion has profoundly shaped my Indian artistic experience.

NS: Your production company, LdB-prod, is dedicated to creating intimate, meaningful encounters between musicians and audiences. How do you see the future of classical music performance evolving in this increasingly digital world?

GH: The digital world is fascinating; it has democratized access to culture and knowledge. However, nothing can replace the experience of an actual encounter with people. Spotify and YouTube are no substitutes for live concerts, just as social media can’t replicate the joy of sharing a meal with friends. As musicians, we have a unique and irreplaceable role in bringing joy and emotional depth to people.

Artie’s will return to India for a series of four concerts, with performances scheduled in Mumbai on November 5 and 7, followed by Pune on November 8 and 9.