Biography
Pianist Kim Bernard first drew notice on the French circuit through his sustained participation in international competitions beginning in his preteen years. The Erato label signed him, and his initial recording appeared in 2022.
Born in Hyères in southeastern France in 1999, Bernard displayed prodigious ability from the outset. He started piano instruction at age five under Michelle Mary, later joined the Piano Cantabile program for developing young players, and entered the Regional Conservatory of Toulon in 2008 to study with Célimène Daudet. He completed the program in 2011 at age twelve, earning the Diplôme d'études musicales (DEM) with unanimous jury approval and special commendation. His sequence of competition successes opened in 2012 when he captured first prize in the under-17 category at the Montrond-les-Bains International Competition, received the Young Talent Prize at the International Competition of Île-de-France, and took first prize at the National Competition of the Nuits Pianistiques of Aix-en-Provence—an event open to adult participants. In 2014 he entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon in the class of Florent Boffard, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in 2016 and a Master II degree in 2018 while working with Laurent Cabasso.
Alongside his classical focus, Bernard maintains a strong interest in jazz, citing the influence of Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, and Charles Mingus, and he demonstrates notable skill as an improviser. He became the first recipient of support from the foundation created by cellist Gautier Capuçon. Between 2019 and 2020 he launched his recital career, performing at the Bozar Festival in Brussels with programs devoted to Bach, Debussy, and Ravel. His debut album, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, was issued by Erato in 2022.
Born in Hyères in southeastern France in 1999, Bernard displayed prodigious ability from the outset. He started piano instruction at age five under Michelle Mary, later joined the Piano Cantabile program for developing young players, and entered the Regional Conservatory of Toulon in 2008 to study with Célimène Daudet. He completed the program in 2011 at age twelve, earning the Diplôme d'études musicales (DEM) with unanimous jury approval and special commendation. His sequence of competition successes opened in 2012 when he captured first prize in the under-17 category at the Montrond-les-Bains International Competition, received the Young Talent Prize at the International Competition of Île-de-France, and took first prize at the National Competition of the Nuits Pianistiques of Aix-en-Provence—an event open to adult participants. In 2014 he entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon in the class of Florent Boffard, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in 2016 and a Master II degree in 2018 while working with Laurent Cabasso.
Alongside his classical focus, Bernard maintains a strong interest in jazz, citing the influence of Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, and Charles Mingus, and he demonstrates notable skill as an improviser. He became the first recipient of support from the foundation created by cellist Gautier Capuçon. Between 2019 and 2020 he launched his recital career, performing at the Bozar Festival in Brussels with programs devoted to Bach, Debussy, and Ravel. His debut album, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, was issued by Erato in 2022.
Albums
Singles