Adrien Perruchon

Principal timpanist of Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France since 2003,
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Les Siècles

My thoughts about being a timpanist

Timpani is the ultimate orchestral instrument, by nature best heard in an ensemble setting. I find great satisfaction in orchestral playing where interaction is key and best represents to me what live music is about.

Also, being exposed to some of the greatest works of art ever created on a daily basis is a privilege and responsibility that I am honored to uphold.

Career

Born in 1983, Adrien Perruchon started his musical training with the piano before going on to play the bassoon and then percussion. He studied at the Annecy Conservatory with Christophe Torion, and at the Paris Regional Conservatory with Frederic Macarez and Eric Sammut. He then attended the Royal Academy of Music in London with Neil Percy and Kurt Hans Goedicke as professors.

A regular guest orchestral player across borders, he is also very active in the early music field, performing with groups such as the Gabrieli Players, Les Musiciens du Louvre, and is a member of Quartet KU percussion group and the Paris-based orchestra Les Siècles.

Appointed in 2003 Principal Timpanist of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, he holds the same position in the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

My Timpani

Hardtke Berlin Classic with classic heavier bowls. Five sizes:

81-74-65-62 and 58 cm
32″ 29″ 25 ½” 24 ½” and 23″

Why I play the Hardtke Timpani

When looking for new instruments I tried, both isolated and “on the job”, a great number of instruments from various makers and manufacturers, having in mind a certain idea of this “central European” timpani sound. Wolfgang Hardtke’s timpani most convincingly recall the original Ringer timpani with superior craftsmanship and exceptional sound colour, range and projection.
These instruments perfectly fit the large orchestral setting from the romantic era to the most recent compositions.

My Mallets

Helmut Rosenthal, Akihiro Kato, Jens-Peter Kappert, Helmut Funke, 4timp, Kurt-Hans Goedicke…

Timpani Heads

Kalfo Super Timpani.