The French harpsichordist and conductor, Olivier Spilmont, approached the music by singing at a young age in a children choir (maîtrise d'enfants). With this choir, he participated in several opera productions in the choir and soloist under the direction of Jean-Claude Malgoire.
In 1996, Olivier Spilmont created a choir for exploring the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque repertoires. These repertoires naturally led to focus on the harpsichord that he first studied alone, then with Elisabeth Joyé for two years. Then he met Pierre Hantaï in 2003, from whom he woyuld receive advice from time to time.
Olivier Spilmont created the Ensemble Alia Mens, specifically to perform Baroque music. With Ensemble Alia Mens, he led several major projects, conducted master-classes in conservatories, appeared in several national theaters in France (the Bateau Feu Dunkerque, Phénix Valenciennes, Théâtre d'Arras...) and gives many concerts at festivals (Lille, Misdummer Festival, Aubusson, la Chabotterie...).
Olivier Spilmont has performed as a soloist on international stages with Pierre Hantaï, Maude Gratton and Concert Français (Bozar Brussels, Lille ...). He also gives many recitals. In 2006, he created a concerto for harpsichord In memoriam G. Ligeti by Jacques Derégnaucourt. In 2011 and 2012, he performed with his Ensemble Alia Mens different programs alongside Annie Dufresne, Dominique Vasseur, François Joubert, Liam Fennelly... In 2013, he directed several concerts of J.S. Bach's Motets. He currently lives in Lille, France. |