Paul Salard (2007, France) discovered a passion for music at the age of 10, inspired by his desire to play ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by ear. By 12 he entered the Conservatoire National à Rayonnement Régional (CNRR) in Nice. In just four years he earned the prestigious DEM diploma with honors in 2023. He also won the highest award at the Clés d’Or competition in 2023. Paul followed masterclasses with pianists such as Marie-Josèphe Jude, Hortense Cartier-Bresson, and Michel Dalberto. Recent performances include a recital at the Menton ‘Off’ Festival (2023), a solo recital in Nice (2023), an appearance at the Rainier III Auditorium in Monaco during the Printemps des Arts Festival (2024). In June 2024, he performed Ravel’s ‘Gaspard de la nuit’ at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes. Paul won the 1st Prize and the Audience Prize at the Globe International Piano Competition (2024), 2nd Prize at the Samson François Competition (2024), and 1st Prize at the Arte Piano Competition in Castelnuovo di Farfa (2024). Having completed his baccalaureate with honors in 2024, Paul now dedicates himself entirely to music. He continues his advanced studies with Amédée Briggen at the CNRR.

Repertoire:

Quarter Finals
L. van Beethoven – Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. 31
M. Ravel – Gaspard de la nuit

Semi Finals
W.A. Mozart – Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478
M. Clementi – Sonata in B minor, Op. 40 No. 2
J. Brahms – Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118

Finals
J.P. de Graaff – Lock, Stock, and Barrel
L. van Beethoven – Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15