Erik Berchot, a renowned figure in the world of music, was fortunate enough to have been born on February 14, 1958, in the vibrant city of Paris, France. This auspicious beginning would set the stage for a life filled with remarkable achievements, as Berchot would go on to enter the esteemed Conservatoire de Paris at a remarkably young age.
It was within the hallowed halls of this prestigious institution that Berchot would hone his craft, ultimately emerging victorious with first prize in both piano and chamber music, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. His instructor, the esteemed Yvonne Loriod, played a pivotal role in Berchot's development as a musician, and her guidance would have a lasting impact on his artistic trajectory.
Berchot's impressive credentials would soon lead to a position as a soloist with Radio France, a prestigious honor that would provide him with a platform to share his artistry with a wider audience.
Notable highlights from Berchot's illustrious career include a multitude of prestigious international competition victories, thereby solidifying her position as a preeminent pianist. Specifically, she has distinguished herself by emerging as a winner in the renowned Long-Thibaud-Crespin Competition held in France, a testament to her exceptional technical prowess and artistic expression.
Furthermore, her impressive résumé boasts a victory in the esteemed Viotti Competition, which takes place in Italy, a country renowned for its rich musical heritage and cultural significance. Additionally, Berchot has also claimed the top prize at the Maria Canals International Music Competition in Spain, a competition that attracts the finest pianists from around the world.
Moreover, her impressive credentials also include a win at the Young Concert Artists competition, held in the city that never sleeps, New York, a city that has long been at the forefront of classical music. Furthermore, Berchot's remarkable talent and dedication have also earned her a notable 6th prize at the X International Chopin Piano Competition, held in Poland, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a long tradition of producing some of the world's most gifted pianists.
Notably, Berchot has also embarked on collaborative ventures with esteemed filmmakers and composers, showcasing his multifaceted talents as a pianist and actor.
Berchot's collaborative endeavors include his role as pianist-actor in the critically acclaimed feature film Partir, revenir, directed by the renowned Claude Lelouch.
In this cinematic masterpiece, Berchot brought his remarkable skills to the forefront, performing a stunning rendition of Sergei Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto.
Moreover, the film featured a specially composed concert movement by the illustrious Michel Legrand, which Berchot expertly brought to life through his piano virtuosity.
Through this remarkable collaboration, Berchot demonstrated his versatility and artistic range, solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished musician.
Berchot has collaborated extensively with renowned composer Michel Legrand, meticulously transcribing iconic scores such as the enchanting soundtrack from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, the poignant Yentl, and the mesmerizing The Windmills of Your Mind, all specifically arranged for a duo of pianos.
Berchot has been serving as the exclusive solo pianist for the renowned Charles Aznavour since 2007, providing accompaniment at the prestigious Palais des congrès in Paris and accompanying the legendary singer on extensive tours across France, Egypt, Portugal, South America, North America, and Moscow.
Berchot's extensive touring schedule with Aznavour has taken them to numerous iconic cities worldwide, including the vibrant metropolises of Montreal, London, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Yerevan, Berlin, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Barcelona, Rome, Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, Antwerp, Geneva, St Petersburg, Recife, Porto Alegre, and Rio de Janeiro.
Berchot is a recurring performer at the prestigious Bagatelle festival in Paris, an event organized by the esteemed Société Chopin, renowned for its commitment to promoting the works of Frédéric Chopin.
As a pianist, Berchot has had the distinction of being the accompanist for Claudy Malherbe's radio opera, La Cantatrice, a commission by Radio France, a leading public radio broadcaster in France.
Berchot's outstanding contributions to the rich tapestry of French culture earned him the prestigious distinction of being invested as a Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite, a revered honor bestowed upon him by the renowned composer Michel Legrand, who acted as the emissary of the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, on a momentous day, September 28, 2009.
