About
Concert Pianist and Harpsichordist
Louise Cournarie is a French pianist, harpsichordist, and fortepianist based in London. She performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, with appearances at renowned venues such as Wigmore Hall (London), Maison de la Radio (Paris), St. Martin-in-the-Fields (London), St. Cecilia’s Hall (Edinburgh), and the Institut français in both London and Edinburgh. Her touring career has taken her across Europe and Asia, including over 30 cities in Asia. Recent highlights include performances at the Shanghai Theatre Centre, the Sky High Concert Hall in Shenzhen (the highest concert hall in the world), and the Kunming Traditional Opera Hall. Equally dedicated to historical and modern keyboards, Louise is known for her refined touch and poetic interpretation. Her debut double album, Le Piano des Lumières, exploring 18th-century French repertoire on the modern piano, will be released in 2025. Louise Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva with the generous support of the City of London, and at the Royal Academy of music with the kind assistance of the Safran Foundation, Felix Appelbe, and the Royal Academy of Music's scholarship.
Lectures and Conferences
Louise holds a PhD from the Royal Academy of Music, London, where her research focused on bridging harpsichord traditions and modern piano performance. She has presented her work at leading academic institutions and conferences, including the University of Oxford, the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki), the University of Surrey, the Orpheus Institute (Ghent), and the Performance Studies Network (Huddersfield). Her academic work extends to China, where she has delivered lectures and lecture-recitals at Shenzhen University and Hangzhou Vocational University. Drawing on both scholarship and stage experience, Louise brings historical awareness, stylistic insight, and performance-based research into dialogue through her lectures and publications.
Masterclasses and Teaching
In addition to her performing and research activities, Louise is an experienced educator. She currently teaches piano at Winchester College and St Paul’s School in London and has previously held teaching positions at King’s College London as an assistant lecturer. She served for several years as Baroque piano coach and summer course curator at the Royal Academy of Music, where she also assisted in lecture delivery. She regularly gives masterclasses in universities and conservatoires across China and has contributed to the development of online courses tailored to Chinese students. As Artistic Director of Portus Sonorum, she leads international educational and cultural projects between Europe and China. She is also a jury member for several major competitions, including the London EWAI Music Competition.