1st Prize
Louis Thélot is a French violinist and composer who grew up in Lyon, France.
In 2019, he entered the French National Conservatory (CNSMDL) to study classical music with world-class violinist Marc Danel.
At the same time, he studied jazz and improvisation with violinist Rémi Crambes and cellist Vincent Segal.
In 2022, Louis entered Berklee College of Music, where he studied jazz performance and composition under the guidance of Sarah Caswell, Jason Anick, Tony Malaby, Marquis Hill, Victor Wooten, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Francisco Mela, and others.
He also studied Arabic music with masters Simon Shaheen and Naseem Alatrash.
In 2024, Louis received Berklee’s “Most Valuable Player Award”, and he later graduated in 2025.
Throughout his carreer, Louis has had the opportunity to perform with various orchestras (at the Philarmonie de Paris, Boston Symphony Hall, San Francisco Symphony Hall, etc.), as a soloist (Opéra de Lyon), and as a jazz bandleader and composer (Jazz à Vienne Festival, Nublu NYC, among others).
Louis shared the stage with artists such as Kenny Baron, Jacob Collier, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, the 8-bit Big Band, Jason Anick, and many more.
He appears on Jacob Collier’s latest release Something Heavy, and is currently a member of the new quintet led by trumpeter Tiger Okoshi.
Louis Thélot has recorded two albums as a bandleader and composer – one jazz-rock fusion, the other free jazz (featuring Edmar Colon and Francisco Mela). Both are scheduled for release by the end of 2026.
Louis’ versatile playing blends influences from jazz, rock, classical, and Arabic music.