Idil Biret

was born in Ankara (Turkey) in 1941 and began playing piano aged only three. Thanks to a special law passed by the Turkish National Assembly, she was able to study piano with Jean Doyen, accompaniment with Nadia Boulanger and chamber music with Jacques Février at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique de Paris, winning first prize in all three categories. She undertook further study with Alfred Cortot and Wilhelm Kempff, with whom she performed, aged eleven, Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris.

Shortly thereafter, Idil Biret embarked upon an international career with a diverse repertoire spanning Bach and Boulez. She performs the great concertos alongside the most prestigious symphonic ensembles, whilst looking further afield: famously demanding Liszt transcriptions of Beethoven’s nine Symphonies, or Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique.

She has also interpreted contemporary works, performing in the world premiere of André Boucourechliev’s Archipel 1 at the Royan Festival. Awarded numerous prizes (Lily Boulanger Memorial, Boston; Harriet Cohen / Dinu Lipatti Gold Medal, London; Polish Artistic Merit; Adelaide Ristori, Italy), she has made a number of recordings including the the complete works for piano of Beethoven (1986), Chopin (1992), Brahms (1997) and Rachmaninov (2000). She has also recorded Pierre Boulez’ three Sonatas for Piano, which was a resounding international success, and Ligeti’s Etudes (books I and II).