Birth

:

July 13, 1985 in Rouen, France

 

Benjamin Alard is a French classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a harpsichordist, organist, and conductor. Born on September 18, 1985, in Rouen, France, Alard grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist. Alard started playing the piano at the age of five and later switched to the harpsichord. Alard's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a sought-after performer. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he won several awards, including the First Prize in Harpsichord and the First Prize in Basso Continuo. He also studied with renowned harpsichordists such as Pierre Hantaï and Gustav Leonhardt. Alard's career took off in the early 2000s when he started performing at major music festivals and concert halls around the world. He quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso harpsichordist and was praised for his technical skill and musicality. Some of his most notable performances include his debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2007, his performance at the Festival de Saintes in 2008, and his performance at the Festival de La Chaise-Dieu in 2010. In addition to his solo performances, Alard has also collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. He has worked with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the Freiburger Barockorchester, among others. He has also conducted several orchestras, including the Ensemble Correspondances and the Collegium Vocale Gent. Alard's repertoire is vast and includes works by some of the greatest composers of the Baroque era, such as Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti. He is particularly known for his interpretations of Bach's keyboard works, which he has recorded on several albums. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de Classica. In addition to his performing career, Alard is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several institutions, including the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. He is known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students to reach their full potential. Despite his success, Alard remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record regularly and is always looking for new ways to explore and interpret the music of the Baroque era. His passion for music and his commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of his generation.

More....