The Paris Opera has learned with great sadness of the passing of musicologist and journalist Hélène Pierrakos.

Born in 1957, Hélène Pierrakos devoted her life to introducing audiences to music and fostering a love of it. After studying at the Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, where she was awarded First Prize in Musical Aesthetics Research, she pursued a career at the crossroads of musicology and music journalism.

For some twenty years, she produced programmes for France Musique, France Culture and Radio Suisse Romande, before joining Fréquence Protestante, where, from 2007 onwards, she presented La Malle à musique and Intermezzo. She also contributed to numerous specialist publications, including Le Monde de la Musique, L’Avant-Scène Opéra, Ligne 8 and Classica.

She also directed music documentaries (Thierry Escaich au miroir de J.-S. Bach, 2007) and gave lectures. Her published works include Chopin (Gisserot, 1998) and L’Ardeur et la mélancolie – Voyage en musique allemande (Fayard, 2015). Her work reflected an enduring commitment to sharing musical knowledge and encouraging audiences to discover the repertoire.

For many years, Hélène Pierrakos accompanied the Paris Opera’s chamber music concerts, presenting them with passion and writing their programme notes. Deeply appreciated by all – from Orchestra musicians and Chorus artists to technical and administrative staff – she offered audiences invaluable insights into the works through her precise writing and extensive knowledge, making a full contribution to the spirit of these musical gatherings.

The Paris Opera extends its heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.