Coffra group’s Cultural Commitment: Supporting Classical Music and Europe’s Artistic Future

At Coffra group, our mission extends far beyond legal, tax and audit services. For decades, we have been assisting subsidiaries of international companies in their development and expansion in France. But we also believe that economy and culture are deeply connected, and that supporting cultural initiatives is essential for a vibrant and open society.

This is why Coffra group is deeply engaged in ambitious cultural projects, especially in the field of classical music. As part of this commitment, we are proud to support the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble and its founder and artistic director, Thomas Hengelbrock, one of the most inspiring and innovative figures in the international classical music scene.

A Community of Artists United by Music

Founded around a unique artistic and human project, the Ensemble Balthasar Neumann brings together an orchestra, a choir and an academy that share the same vision: to make music a space for freedom, creativity and innovation. Each work is approached with a historically informed approach and a deep understanding of its meaning and context.

The ensemble’s philosophy is built on four essential pillars:

• Authenticity: A deep commitment to historically informed performance and the meaning behind each piece.
• Creativity: Innovative and often unconventional interpretations that offer fresh perspectives on familiar works.
• Solidarity: A strong collective spirit on and off the stage, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Engagement: Deep involvement with local communities across Europe, driven by a belief in culture as a unifying force.

Through this approach, the ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional classical performance, bringing audiences unforgettable experiences rooted in both scholarship and passion.

A Remarkable Career

Founder and artistic director of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble, Thomas Hengelbrock is one of the most distinguished and forward-thinking conductors of his generation. A violinist, conductor, scholar, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of music, Hengelbrock has captivated international audiences for more than 25 years.

At the heart of his work lies a profound exploration of musical texts, uncovering forgotten masterpieces and offering fresh perspectives on the classical repertoire – from Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Haydn’s Creation to Beethoven’s Missa solemnis and Wagner’s Parsifal. Hengelbrock also embraces contemporary compositions, showcasing his openness to new ideas and artistic experimentation.

International Recognition

Hengelbrock is a frequent guest conductor with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Vienna and Munich Philharmonics, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, the Orchestre National de France, and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich. Notably, he conducted the opening concert of Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie in 2017.

Beyond conducting, he has also directed acclaimed stage productions such as Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects with renowned actors like Klaus Maria Brandauer and Johanna Wokalek. Recipient of the Herbert von Karajan Music Prize in 2016, Hengelbrock is passionately committed to music education, nurturing the next generation of artists through academy programs and supporting freelance musicians – especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thomas Hengelbrock © Mina Esfandiari

At Coffra group, we view the support of outstanding artists and ensembles like Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble as an investment in Europe’s cultural future.

Our engagement reflects the same core values that guide our professional work: openness, excellence, knowledge-sharing, and cross-cultural dialogue. By supporting classical music, we help build bridges between generations, countries, and disciplines – contributing to a richer, more connected society.

Supporting the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble and Thomas Hengelbrock means supporting a vision of music as a transformative, unifying, and deeply human force. At Coffra group, we firmly believe that art plays a vital role in shaping a forward-looking, inclusive society — and we are committed to being an active part of that process.