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Helene GrimaudFrench-American pianist
Date of Birth: 07.11.1969
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Corsican-Jewish and Berber-Jewish Roots
- Early Education and Career
- Conservation Advocate
- Life in Switzerland
- Notable Recordings
Corsican-Jewish and Berber-Jewish Roots
Hélène Grimaud was born to a Corsican-Jewish mother and a Berber-Jewish father.
Early Education and Career
Grimaud began her musical training at the Marseille Conservatory under Pierre Barbizet and later studied at the Paris Conservatory with Jacques Rouvier. Her talent was recognized early on, and in 1985, she won the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Sonata No. 2.
Conservation Advocate
Alongside her musical pursuits, Grimaud developed an interest in animal behavior and obtained a diploma in ethology from the University of Paris. In 1991, she moved to the United States, where she founded the Wolf Conservation Center with her then-boyfriend, photographer Henry Fair. The center aimed to educate the public about wolves and dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding them.
Life in Switzerland
Since 2007, Grimaud has resided in Switzerland. She has continued her advocacy for wolf conservation and has used her platform as a musician to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Notable Recordings
Grimaud's extensive discography includes:- Johannes Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 (1997, with the Staatskapelle Berlin under Kurt Sanderling)
- Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 (1999, with the New York Philharmonic under Kurt Masur)
- Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 (2007, with the Staatskapelle Dresden under Vladimir Jurowski)
- Arvo Pärt's "Credo" (featuring works by Pärt, Beethoven, and John Corigliano)