Horror: French composer is killed by a bear

Julien Gauthier, 44, composer in residence with the Orchestre de Bretagne, has died in horrific circumstances in Canada, a country where he grew up.

In search of inspiration for a symphony, Gauthier was camping with photographer Camille Toscani near the Mackenzie River at Tulita in northwestern Canada when, in the middle of the night, he was grabbed by the neck by a grizzly bear and dragged into a forest.

His body was found the next day.

More here.

Julien’s last message: Quelques nouvelles de notre expédition avec Camille Toscani et quelques photos après déjà 5 jours de canoë et de camping sauvage (dont 3 sans avoir croisé âme qui vive… à part 4 ours  quantité d’oiseaux en tous genres, et une trace de loup qui est apparue pendant la nuit 20 mètres en dessous de la tente!) Ce soir c’est repos bien mérité (après 1 journée de pluie incessante) dans un petit village d’une cinquantaine d’habitants, Jean-Marie River, et ici il y a la wifi  Les paysages et l’expérience sont pour l’instant incroyables, le temps passe de la chaleur étouffante au froid, bref c’est intense, fatiguant et inspirant! Et déjà quelques sons très marquants enregistrés:) D’autres nouvelles la prochaine fois qu’il y a du réseau!

UPDATE: The orchestra’s director has posted this message:

My dear friends,

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of our road companion, the composer and associate artist of the symphonic orchestra of Brittany, Julien Gauthier. He went on the Mackenzie River in the great Canadian North to collect sounds and photograph this land that is still little touched by man. He was accompanied by Camille Toscani, a researcher he had met at the islands islands.

He was a sensitive, generous and talented man that many of us had the chance to know by his work and the gift of his friendship. His work was faithful to his curious spirit, humble in front of the vast power and beauty of nature. First of all, he wanted to transmit by his music to the public his love and respect for nature.

On a personal note, I am extremely happy to have known Julien. He brought me a sense of adventure, wonder and a rare intelligence. I’m gonna miss him terribly. We still had so much way to go together.

Tonight we are thinking about his friend Laura, his father Alain and all those he touched.

Marc Feldman