Hélène Mercier-Arnault Biography

(Canadian Pianist)

Born: 1959

Born In: Montreal, Canada

Hélène Mercier, better known as Hélène Mercier-Arnault, is an enigma in the world of music. The Canadian-born pianist, soloist, and chamber musician is one of the greatest concert pianists in the world. Mercier has performed at the ‘Théâtre des Champs-Elysées’ and the ‘Théâtre du Châtelet’ in Paris, the ‘South Bank Centre’ in London, the ‘Konzerthaus’ of Berlin and the ‘Gewandhaus’ of Leipzig in Germany, the ‘Villa Medici’ and the ‘Lingotto Auditorium’ in Italy, and at many other places all over the world. She currently lives in Paris and performs at various French festivals such as the ones held in Aix-en Provence, Menton, Colmar, Nohant, Evian, Reims, and La Chaise-Dieu. She has delivered remarkable performances at the ‘Piano aux Jacobins’ in Toulouse and at the ‘Radio-France’ festival in Montpellier. She has performed with Zubin Mehta and the ‘Israël Philharmonic Orchestra.’ She has also worked with Vladimir Spivakov and the ‘Russian National Philharmonic Orchestra.’ She has performed under the direction of Seiji Ozawa and the ‘New Japan Philharmonic’ and with Charles Dutoit and the ‘Montreal Symphony Orchestra,’ too. She has also performed with many famous violinists and has collaborated with artists such as Cyprien Katsaris.
0
Quick Facts

Also Known As: Hélène Mercier-Arnault

Age: 65 Years, 65 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Bernard Arnault (m. 1991)

Pianists Canadian Women

City: Montreal, Canada

More Facts

awards: 2017 - Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year – Large Ensemble or Soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment
1994; 1992 · Mozart: Two-Piano Sonata; Music for Four Hands - Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year – Solo or Chamber Ensemble

  • 1

    What are Hélène Mercier-Arnault's notable contributions to the field of music?

    Hélène Mercier-Arnault is a renowned concert pianist known for her exceptional performances and interpretations of classical piano repertoire. She has collaborated with prestigious orchestras and conductors around the world, showcasing her talent and passion for music.
  • 2

    How does Hélène Mercier-Arnault approach her piano practice and performance preparation?

    Hélène Mercier-Arnault is known for her meticulous approach to piano practice and performance preparation. She dedicates countless hours to refining her technique, interpreting the nuances of the music, and perfecting her performances to deliver exceptional musical experiences to her audience.
  • 3

    What insights can be gained from Hélène Mercier-Arnault's masterclasses and workshops?

    Hélène Mercier-Arnault's masterclasses and workshops offer valuable insights into the art of piano playing, interpretation, and performance. Participants have the opportunity to learn from her expertise, receive personalized feedback, and gain inspiration to enhance their own musical skills.
  • 4

    How does Hélène Mercier-Arnault balance her career as a concert pianist with other commitments?

    Hélène Mercier-Arnault balances her career as a concert pianist with grace and dedication. She manages her time efficiently, prioritizes her musical pursuits, and finds fulfillment in sharing her passion for music through performances, teaching, and collaborations with fellow musicians.
  • 5

    What impact has Hélène Mercier-Arnault had on the classical music community?

    Hélène Mercier-Arnault has made a significant impact on the classical music community through her extraordinary talent, commitment to artistic excellence, and contributions to the cultural enrichment of audiences worldwide. Her performances inspire and captivate music lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of piano music.
Childhood & Early Life
Hélène Mercier was born in 1959, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Francoise and Lucile Mercier. Hélène grew up with three older siblings.
Her interest in music became evident when she was a child. She was a natural at creating music.
She began training in music at the age of 6, when she joined the ‘Vincent-d'Indy Music School’ in Montreal. Following this, she won awards at the Quebec and Canadian music competitions.
At the age of 15, Mercier joined Dieter Weber’s class at the ‘University of Music and Performing Arts’ in Vienna. After finishing her education in Vienna, she moved to New York to attend ‘Juilliard School of Music’ with Sasha Gorodnitsky.
She won a scholarship after her audition for the ‘Juilliard School of Music.’ She continues to study under Pierre Sancan of the ‘National Conservatory of Music and Dance of Paris.’
She also studied with Germaine Mounier at the ‘École Normale de Musique.’
Continue Reading Below
Career
While she continues to educate herself in her art, Hélène continues to perform as a soloist, a pianist, and a chamber musician all over the world. She has collaborated with artists such as Maria Curcio, Stanislav Neuhaus, Gidon Kremer, and Henryk Szeryng from time to time.
In 1990, she collaborated with Canadian–French pianist Louis Lortie on the works of legendary musicians Ravel, Schubert, and Mozart. Their work was recorded under the label ‘Chandos.’
In 2008, she collaborated with violinist Vladimir Spivakov to work on a CD dedicated to Ernest Chausson, under the label ‘Capriccio.’
In 2012, she collaborated with virtuoso pianist and composer Cyprien Katsaris on the works of Schumann and Brahms.
From 2015 to 2017, Mercier worked again on various recordings with Louis Lortie. In 2014, they worked with the ‘BBC Philharmonic.’
In 2015, they focused on Rachmaninoff’s ‘Symphonic Dances.’ The next two years, they worked with the ‘Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.’
Their work achieved both critical and commercial success. The Ernest Chausson disc received the disk “Choc” of “Le Monde de la Musique”.
She has also collaborated with pianists such as Boris Berezovsky and Frank Braley. As a performing pianist, soloist, and musician, Mercier has traveled all over the world for her shows.
In Europe, she often performs at the ‘Théâtre des Champs-Elysées,’ the ‘Théâtre du Châtelet,’ and the ‘Salle Pleyel’ in Paris. She also performs at the ‘South Bank Centre’ in London, UK, and the ‘Konzerthaus’ of Berlin and the ‘Gewandhaus’ of Leipzig in Germany.
Continue Reading Below
She also performs at the ‘Rudolfinum’ in Prague, the ‘Conservatory and Flagey Hall’ in Brussels, the ‘Megaron Hall’ in Athens, and the ‘Villa Medici’ and the ‘Lingotto Auditorium’ in Italy. She has performed in Geneva, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Moscow, Warsaw, and Sofia.
She has performed in Bergen, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, and New York, too. She has delivered memorable performances under the direction of Zubin Mehta and the ‘Israël Philharmonic Orchestra.’ She has also worked with Kurt Masur at the ‘Champs-Elysées Theater’ in Paris.
She has performed with Vladimir Spivakov and the ‘Russian National Philharmonic Orchestra.’ She has also performed with orchestras such as the ‘Prague Philharmonia,’ the ‘RAI National Symphony Orchestra,’ the ‘Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra,’ the ‘Minnesota Orchestra,’ and the ‘Forth Worth Symphony.’
In Canada, she has performed under the direction of Charles Dutoit, Trevor Pinnock, and Long Yu, in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal. She has also performed with the Chinese orchestra ‘Shanghai with the Shanghai Symphony’ in China.
During her Japan tour, she made her debut with the ‘New Japan Philharmonic,’ under the direction of Seiji Ozawa. She has performed ‘Beethoven's Triple Concerto’ with Natalia Gutman and Salvatore Accardo, in association with the ‘Orchestre de Paris,’ under the direction of Semyon Bychkov.
She has also performed with Vladimir Spivakov at the ‘Festival de Colmar’ and the ‘Rencontres Musicales d'Evian.’ She has worked with cellist Mstislav Rostropovich in Copenhagen and Paris.
Major Works
In 2009, she published her autobiography, ‘Over the Notes.’
Awards & Achievements
She won the ‘Prague International Chamber Music Competition’ as a child. She has also been awarded with the ‘Knight of the Order of Arts & Letters’ (‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’) honor.
Personal Life & Legacy
On September 23, 1991, Hélène married businessman Bernard Arnault, who is one of the richest men in the world. Arnault is the chairman and CEO of the luxury goods conglomerate ‘LVMH,’ which owns brands such as ‘Louis Vuitton,’ ‘TAG Heuer,’ and ‘Benefit Cosmetics.’
Hélène and Bernaud have three sons, Alexander, Frederick, and John.
Their sons also love to make music and are exceptional in their chosen art.
Facts About Hélène Mercier-Arnault
Hélène Mercier-Arnault is known for her passion for collecting vintage vinyl records, with a particular fondness for jazz and classical music.
She is a skilled amateur photographer and enjoys capturing candid moments during her travels around the world.
Hélène has a unique talent for creating intricate origami designs and often gifts them to friends and family.
She is an avid reader and has an impressive collection of books spanning various genres, from mystery novels to philosophical texts.
Hélène is a dedicated supporter of animal welfare causes and volunteers regularly at local shelters to help care for abandoned pets.

See the events in life of Hélène Mercier-Arnault in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Hélène Mercier-Arnault Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/hlne-mercier-arnault-42898.php

People Also Viewed

Bernard Arnault Biography
Bernard Arnault
(French)
 
Diana Krall Biography
Diana Krall
(Canadian)
 
Oscar Peterson Biography
Oscar Peterson
(Canadian)
 
Fats Waller Biography
Fats Waller
(American)
 
Declan McKenna Biography
Declan McKenna
(British)
 
Franz Liszt Biography
Franz Liszt
(Hungarian)
 
César Franck Biography
César Franck
(Belgian)
 
Robert Schumann Biography
Robert Schumann
(German)