Mattéo CAMBON
Double bassist

Mattéo received a scholarship to buy his double bass

What is your artistic background?
The way I came to choose the double bass, at the age of seven, is rather amusing. It was on a trip to the circus with my aunt that I discovered the instrument, and I was spellbound by its imposing size and by its sound. Except that, in that setting, it was only ever played pizzicato — never with a bow! So I must confess I was a little disappointed when, on starting double bass lessons at the music school in Sannois, I discovered the existence of that astonishing object — which I have never been parted from since! — the bow. After that, with my parents’ constant support, I made steady progress, playing regularly in student recitals and in front of the family whenever the chance arose. From my last year of primary school, I was lucky enough to take part five times in a project that the Orchestre National de France was launching in Paris for the very first time: Viva l’orchestra, which gave amateur musicians, children and adults alike, the chance to play in the extraordinary setting of the Maison de la Radio, right at the heart of the Orchestre National de France itself. At fourteen, I joined the music-intensive school programme at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional (CRR) de Paris, where I was able to grow as a player under the sharp-eared guidance of Yann Dubost. Three years later, I entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSM), where I have now been studying for five years in Nicolas Crosse’s class.

How do you see your profession today ?
With admiration, I would say. Every day I become more aware of how fortunate I am to be able to make a living from my passion — to uplift and enrich the people around us through the beauty of the music we play, whether as soloists or together in an ensemble. It also gives me the chance to thank my parents wholeheartedly for encouraging me along the demanding path of music, as well as the three teachers I have had over the years, who supported me every step of the way.

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? in 10 years ?
In the years ahead, I hope to win a position in a professional orchestra — something I have dreamt of for many years, and which would also have the merit of giving me a stability that a musician’s life does not always offer! I also take great pleasure in passing music on in my turn, giving other children — and even adults! — the chance I had as a boy to discover the double bass. So I can also see myself teaching at a music school or a conservatoire… And I can easily picture myself putting together chamber music concerts — with fellow orchestra members, for instance! But there is no point dreaming too far ahead: we shall see what the future has in store!

Interview conducted in 2026
Photographs taken in 2026 by Yama Ndiaye