Born in 1957, Sylvain Marchal studied music at the University of Strasbourg and at the National Conservatoire National de Région where he won several prizes in clarinet, musical training and chamber music. He completed his training with studies and internships in conducting, writing, pedagogy ... embellished among others, multiple and enriching artistic encounters, while claiming a large part of self-study!

Very early on, he began a career as an educator and taught the clarinet, music theory and ensemble music in numerous music schools in the region. From 1982 until 2003, he participated in the creation and direction of the municipal music school of Mundolsheim, a school which today has become the Intercommunale Music School "Ravel", an establishment with some 500 pupils.

In 1985, his professional activities became clearer with the obtaining of the position of permanent artistic advisor of the Federation of Music Societies of Alsace.

On the other hand, he has conducted several harmony orchestras, big-bands, operas and, as guest conductor, multiple instrumental and vocal formations. In 1996, he became head of the Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra, a phalanx of 50/60 musicians with whom successive concerts (more than 200 in ten years), tours (France, Canada, Italy, Greece, Austria, USA…), CD, creations and multiple original experiences.