About

Where the Journey Began

At the age of 18, driven by his desire to make music accessible to a wider audience, Yoann began his conducting career by founding his own orchestra, the Ensemble Musical RhônAlpin. This ambitious initiative brought together 70 of France’s most talented young musicians. As Artistic and Music Director for five years, he organized numerous successful projects, including performances of major works such as Mozart’s Requiem and educational concerts for diverse communities, introducing them to classical music through The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket and Nathaniel Stookey. Whether performing in suburban schools, rural communities, or prestigious concert halls, Yoann and the EMRA became known for their passionate, engaging performances that bridged the gap between classical music and the wider public.

With just 19 years old, Yoann made his professional debut as Musical Director of the Lyon Metropole Orchestra, one of France’s leading wind orchestras. During his tenure, he distinguished himself through collaborations with prominent contemporary composers and commissioned new works each season, enriching the wind ensemble repertoire at the highest artistic level. His final performance with LMO in 2023 premiered Laurent Bomont’s Carnet(s) de voyage(s) at the Philharmonie de Paris.

World-renowned education and international Awards

Yoann won the First Prize at the International Conductors Contest of the World Music Contest 2022 in Kerkrade, The Netherlands, widely regarded as the most prestigious competition for wind orchestra conducting. 

Before his fellowship at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Yoann graduated from the world-renowned Sibelius Academy in Finland, mentored by Petri Komulainen. His education was further shaped by esteemed mentors such as Sakari Oramo, Nils Schweckendiek, and Jorma Panula. Yoann also refined his skills through summer programs with renowned pedagogues Johannes Schlaefli and Nicolàs Pasquet.

Combémorel was awarded a position as a recipient of the Europa Choir Akademie Scholarship in Germany, where he expanded his choral repertoire under the mentorship of Jan Hoffmann and Sylvain Cambreling. He performed major works, including Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri and Mendelssohn’s Elijah, gaining a profound insight into the German choral tradition.

More Than Music

Originally from the suburbs of Grenoble, France, Yoann discovered the transformative power of music through a children’s program in primary school. Deeply committed to social causes, he firmly believes that access to education and art is essential for a better world. As an ambassador of the French humanitarian organization Enfance Espoir, he supports initiatives that provide meals to children in Vietnam, enabling them to attend school rather than work.

In the summer of 2024, Yoann completed his first Ironman to raise funds for life-saving heart surgery for a six-year-old child from the Africa.

Mentorship and Education

Since his time in Finland, Yoann has developed a deep passion for pedagogy. He currently offers private conducting instruction at the Curtis Institute of Music as an option for instrumental master’s students. Additionally, he leads masterclasses and provides private lessons across Europe, working with a diverse range of individuals— from beginners eager to explore conducting, to students preparing for entrance exams to conducting programs, and conductors fine-tuning their skills for competitions.