Born in Belgium in 1964, Benoît Mernier studied organ with Firmin Decerf, Jean Ferrard, Joris Verdin and Jean Boyer. He has also studied harpsichord with Charles Koenig. He performs regularly as a soloist in several European countries, Japan, Mexico and Canada. One of his recordings was awarded the “Grand Prix de l’Académie du disque Charles Cros”.

Benoît Mernier is also a composer. In this respect, he has benefited from the teaching of Philippe Boesmans. His works are played by a lot of ensembles and orchestras in Europe and the United States. He has won several international prizes and his works have been the subject of several recordings.

The Koussevitzky Foundation and the American Library of Congress commissioned his 3rd String Quartet for the centenary of the Pro Arte Quartet, which was premiered and recorded in the United States. The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels commissioned him to write a concerto for the inauguration of his new organ by Olivier Latry. He orchestrated the 2nd Choral by Franck, which was highly acclaimed. At the request of the recently passed away composer, he completed Philippe Boesmans’ last opera “On purge Bébé!”

Benoît Mernier is professor of organ at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels. He is also titular organist of the church Notre-Dame au Sablon and curator of the new organ at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He is a member of the Fine Arts class of the Royal Academy of Belgium and gives master classes in composition at the Queen Elizabeth Chapel.

Website : http://www.compositeurs.be/fr/compositeurs/benoit_mernier

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGMTA1E0I_lZcPQSi58dxeQ?view_as=subscriber

Bio au 20/04/23