Fernande Kaeser was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1928, in Geneva, Switzerland. She was the daughter of a Swiss father and a French mother, and her family was deeply involved in the arts. Her father was a painter, and her mother was a pianist, so it was no surprise that Fernande showed an early interest in music. Fernande began her musical studies at the age of six, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already an accomplished pianist. She studied at the Geneva Conservatory, where she was a student of the renowned pianist and composer, Frank Martin. Martin recognized Fernande's talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. After completing her studies at the Geneva Conservatory, Fernande continued her education in Paris, where she studied with the legendary pianist, Alfred Cortot. Cortot was impressed with Fernande's playing and invited her to perform with him in concerts throughout Europe. Fernande's career took off in the 1950s, and she quickly became known for her virtuosic playing and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. She performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of the highlights of Fernande's career was her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Herbert von Karajan. The performance was hailed as a triumph, and Fernande received a standing ovation from the audience. Fernande was also known for her recordings, which included works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. Her recording of Chopin's Nocturnes was particularly well-received and is still considered a classic today. Throughout her career, Fernande received numerous awards and honors. She was awarded the Prix de Lausanne in 1951, the Geneva International Music Competition in 1952, and the Clara Haskil Prize in 1957. She was also made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in France in 1962. Despite her success, Fernande remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She continued to perform and record well into her 70s, and she was known for her generosity in working with young musicians. Fernande Kaeser passed away on December 28, 2013, at the age of 85. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest pianists of her generation, and her recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

More....