Benjamin Alard

Benjamin Alard’s principal passion has always been the music of J.S. Bach and it was for his interpretation of this great composer that he was awarded first prize in the 2004 International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges.

While still quite young he began studying music in his hometown in Dieppe, France. He was soon drawn to the organ and entered the Conservatory of Rouen where he studied with Louis Thiry and François Ménissier.

He was first introduced to the harpsichord by Elizabeth Joyé, with whom he studied in Paris before going on, in 2003, to the Schola Cantorum in Basel to work with Jörg-Andreas Bôtticher, Jean-Claude Zehnder and Andrea Marcon.

Since 2005 he has been organist of the Bernard-Aubertin organ in the church of Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile in Paris where each season he gives concerts about the music of Bach.

Today Benjamin Alard divides his time between performing recitals and chamber music on both the harpsichord and organ. He often performs repertoire for two harpsichords with Elisabeth Joyé, in duo with the violinist Francois Fernandez or in trio). He is regularly invited to perform as soloist in music series in Europe, Japan and North America.

Benjamin Alard has recorded for the label Hortus and has made several recordings of works by J. S. Bach for Alpha (Sonatas in trio, Clavier Übung I and II). His recordings have consistently received high praise from the press and have been awarded multiple prizes.

He will now devote himself to the complete works for harpsichord and organ solo of Johann Sebastian Bach for harmonia mundi. Two boxes, on 17, are already available. The third box will be released in March 2020.

During the season 2019-2020, Benjamin Alard will be playing in Saint-Petersburg, in Barcelona and Madrid, in Ireland, among others. And he will continue the recording of the Bach cycle for keyboards solo at harmonia mundi.

Season 2019-2020

"A remarkable complete set of Bach’s keyboard music is gradually being built up." ResMusica - about Bach, Complete works for keyboard - Vol. 2 (Harmonia Mundi)

"... This is an impressive artistry that receives an equally impressive recording and production values. The liner notes include a fascinating interview with Alard and interesting notes by Bach scholar Peter Wollny. Given the excellence of this album, we must hope that the series reaches its completion; it will undoubtedly be one of the most important recording projects of this century." The Classic Review, 23.04.2020 - about Bach, Complete works for keyboard - Vol. 3 (Harmonia Mundi)