Born: France

The French harpsichordist (and organist), Violaine Cochard, began studying the harpsichord in Angers under Franfoise Marmin, and then continued her studies at the CNSM in Paris, where she won two first prizes on a unanimous vote, one for basso continuo in Christophe Rousset's class, and the other for harpsichord under Kenneth Gilbert. She continued her studies under Pierre Hantaï, and Christophe Rousset during her advanced training. She has won in June 1999 First Prize at the International Harpsichord Competition in Montreal.

Violaine Cochard has appeared as a soloist or a continuist conducted by Ton Koopman, Reinhard Goebel and Christophe Coin, and at the Ambronay, La Chaise-Dieu and Pontoise festivals. She has provided the continuo in several Simphonie du Marais and Talens Lyriques productions, and in various chamber music formations. She has also made recordings for France Musique and the BBC and has given chamber music recitals and concerts in France and elsewhere in Europe.

Since September 1999, Violaine Cochard teaches harpsichord at the CNR in Montpellier.

Source: Liner notes to the album 'J.S. Bach: Aria' performed by Amarillis & Maîtrise de garçons de Colmar (Ambroisie, 2000)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (March 2007)

Violaine Cocahrd: Short Biography | Amarillis | Recordings of Instrumental & Vocal Works

Links to other Sites

2ième Festival de Musique Ancienne de Brest [French]