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The French harpsichordist and organist, Benjamin Alard, started the piano at age 7. He later studied organ and harspichord, respectively with Louis Thiry & François Ménissier, and Elisabeth Joyé, developping an interest in early music that led him to the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis for further studies with Jean-Claude Zehnder (organ) and Andrea Marcon (harpsichord). In 2004 he won the Bruges International Harpsichord Competition (where he garnered Ist prize and Audience award). He is also a laureate of «Déclic 2005/2006», a joint Radio-France, AFAA and Société Générale support & sponsoring programme for young artists.
A recitalist on both harpsichord and organ, Benjamin Alard has performed at prestigious early music festivals and venues: Nantes (Le Printemps des Arts & La Folle Journée), Saintes, Brussels (‘Flagey’ Hall), etc. He also collaborates with leading ensembles such as La Petite Bande (Director Sigiswald Kuijken), Capriccio Stravagante (Director Skip Sempé), Venice Baroque Orchestra (Director Andrea Marcon).
In 2005, Benjamin Alard was appointed organist at the church of St-Louis-en-l’Île in Paris, where he plays on the new instrument by Aubertin. |
