Who is Richard Clayderman?
Richard Clayderman is a hundred percent French and speaks very bad English, as most of my fellow countrymen do. I was born Philippe Pagès, but as my record producer and manager weren’t too crazy about my birth name, we decided to take one of my great-grandfather’s names on my mother’s side. And this is how Richard Clayderman was born.
When I was 23, I had the opportunity to record a piano composition called Ballade Pour Adeline which became famous in many countries around the world, opening the door to my international career. It is rare for a pianist to have a career like that, and even more so for a French pianist.
Since my debut, I have been lucky enough to record more than 1000 titles and perform more than 3000 concerts all over the world. I am delighted to be back in Australia and to have the opportunity to perform in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. I have a great fondness for my audience in Australia; it is always special and very warm.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I never dreamed that I would become an artist and performer, let alone be centre stage. My goal, as recommended by my father, was to become a piano accompanist. That’s what I did for some time, before being chosen by my record producers and starting my own career.
Who inspires you and why?
I work and practice a lot… but still, there is a kind of mystery as to why I perform this way and not another way. I perform the way I feel happy and satisfied with. Lucky I am to be able to play the way I want and have the audience appreciating it.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think that, in my own way, I have always tried to be myself in my music, whether people like it or not. And as it happened, people were attracted to my music because it resonated with them. Many people have told me that my music has brought them calm, relaxation, and joy, that they have experienced romantic moments with my music, found their husband or wife, and even made babies with my music! What more can I ask for? My career is a privilege, and I am happy to bring joy to my audience.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
For my concert activities I travel so much that when I am back in my Paris apartment, I like to stay in the apartment to avoid packing or re-packing. When I had time to go on holiday, I liked to go to Venice or the Alps to breathe the good air, and to boost my health.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Most of my friends who come to Paris want to see the Eiffel Tower, which is iconic and synonymous with Paris. If you take a photo at the Eiffel Tower, everybody knows it’s Paris. Everyone wants to see it. It’s beautiful from different perspectives, whether you are on the first floor looking out over Paris, or at the Trocadéro. I also recommend my friends to go for a boat-trip on the Bateaux Mouches because you can see so much of Paris and of course, it’s romantic. Another place that is a must-see is the Tomb of Napoleon which is quite impressive.
What are you currently reading?
I just bought a book written by a TV presenter as I wanted to know about her life. When I have finished it, I will let you know what I thought about it! I love to read biographies, whether about musicians, pop singers or groups, politicians, or writers. I’m interested in people’s inner lives and learning something surprising that one could not imagine about them.
Happiness is?
Good health, finding contentment in life’s simple pleasures, a true friend, and making others smile.
What does the future hold for you?
My wish is to keep performing as long as I can as it is such a privilege for an artist to be able to play an instrument and to have the honour of being listened to by an audience. That is my wish for my professional future.
Richard performs his Timeless Romance tour at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane (Friday 21 November), Melbourne Town Hall (Saturday 22 November) and the Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House (Sunday 23 November). For more information, visit: www.richardclaydermanofficial.com for details.
Image: Richard Clayderman – courtesy of Harmonie International