Alexandre Tharaud

Alexandre Tharaud, born on December 9, 1968, in Paris, is a celebrated French pianist renowned for his dynamic performances and extensive discography. Growing up in a musically enriched environment—his mother a dance instructor for the Opéra de Paris and his father an amateur director and operetta singer—Tharaud immersed himself in the arts from an early age. He began piano lessons at just five years old and studied at the Conservatory of the 14th Arrondissement under Carmen Taccon-Devenat, a protégé of Marguerite Long.

At 14, Tharaud entered the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, where he won first prize in piano at the age of 17 under the guidance of Germaine Mounier. His early accolades include third prize at the Maria Canals International Competition in 1987 and second prize at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1989. His career flourished across Europe, North America, and Japan, characterized by collaborations with notable figures such as actor François Morel and composer Thierry Pécou.

In 2012, Tharaud made a cameo as himself in Michael Haneke's acclaimed film *Amour*, sharing the screen with luminaries like Jean-Louis Trintignant and Isabelle Huppert. His artistry has been praised by critics, including *The New York Times*, which lauded his interpretation of Bach. A book author as well, Tharaud published *Montrez-moi vos mains* in 2017, reflecting on his musical journey and the nuances of being a performer.