Claude Helffer, Comtemporary Pianist (1922-2004, Year of Entry: 1942)

While at Polytechnique, pianist Claude Helffer was a member of Jeunesses Musicales. His demanding studies didn’t prevent him from attending numerous concerts, as he averaged around four a week. After graduating, he performed his first recital in 1948. With the help of Robert Casadesus and René Leibowitz, he established himself as an exceptional performer and creator. From 1962 onwards, he gave concerts in France and across the world: in Latin America, Canada, the USA, USSR and Japan. Helffer remained at the avant-garde of music, collaborating with other contemporary composers like Pierre Boulez, Iannis Xenakis, Gilbert Amy, André Boucourechliev, Michael Jarrell and Henri Dutilleux. He also recorded classical works by composers such as Schönberg and Ravel.