A solo violist with an international career — between the stage, the recording studio and teaching. And, under another name, writing.
A violist with an instantly recognizable tone — the warmth of song, precision of phrasing, restrained intensity —, Pierre Lenert pursues an international career that brings together the stage, recording and teaching.
His encounter with Yehudi Menuhin would prove decisive: under his baton he performed Berlioz’s Harold in Italy and the Bartók Concerto, going on to become a soloist of his Foundation. A laureate of the Philip Morris Foundation, he has also won prizes at the Lionel Tertis, Markneukirchen and Maurice Vieux international competitions.
In 2017 he took on a challenge no one in Europe had dared since Emmanuel Vardi: recording the complete 24 Caprices of Paganini on the viola (Paraty). Awarded a “5 Diapason” and a favourite of Christian Merlin on France Musique, this project became one of the signatures of his art; with Éditions Billaudot he also published the viola adaptation, together with a study method for younger generations.
A sought-after chamber musician, his faithful partners include the pianist Etsuko Hirose — with whom he founded the Duo Lenert-Hirose in 2020 (album Passion) — and Cécile Leblond, in the Duo Lenert-Leblond. With the Lenert-Fantasy-Group (2015), he revisits French song in original arrangements. His discography, spanning more than thirty years, has taken him to Arion, Chandos, EMI Classics, Erato, Paraty and Syrius.
Teaching, finally, holds an essential place in his life: a professor at the École Normale de Musique Alfred-Cortot and the CRR de Créteil, he guides young violists towards the stage, and serves as artistic director of the “Sérénade” and “Le Goût de la Musique” festivals.
Pierre Lenert has recorded for Arion, Chandos, EMI Classics, Erato, Intégral Classic, Paraty, Saphir, Syrius, Sonogramme and Continuo Classic — a discography spanning more than thirty years, from concerto to recital.
High-flying interpretations, with purity of intonation, evenness of tone and bewildering ease.Le Monde de la MusiqueCostin Cazaban
An elegant style, full of fantasy and good humour — charm and brilliance in every piece.Diapason
A splendid interpretation — assured, lyrical, with unfailing perfection of phrasing.El PeriódicoBarcelona
A professor at the École Normale de Musique Alfred-Cortot and the CRR de Créteil, Pierre Lenert guides young violists from the first cycle to the threshold of a career.
To question rather than dictate the gesture, to seek the inner voice of each work: the student learns to listen, to decide and to trust themselves.
With Éditions Billaudot, he has produced an arrangement of Paganini’s Caprices for viola, accompanied by a study guide designed for younger generations.
A few notable paths taken by Pierre Lenert’s students.
“One must never stop working for it to be always good; and only now and then will it be very good.”— Pierre Lenert
Under the pen name Peter Lane, Pierre Lenert writes French-language espionage thrillers where music, martial arts and geopolitics intersect. A taut, meticulously researched trilogy, driven by the same sense of tempo as on stage.
The opening movement of a score of shadows, where a melody becomes the thread of an international conspiracy.
The vice tightens. The front lines shift from one continent to another, and the past refuses to stay silent.
The denouement, in a crossroads city where every silence weighs as much as a gunshot.
published under the pen name Peter Lane
“He did not know it was impossible, so he did it.”
Frédéric Lodéon · France Musique
Paganini, a revolution. The 24 Caprices transcribed for viola.
“Pierre Lenert, or Paganini’s Caprices as heard on the viola” — a favourite of Christian Merlin, France Musique.
Admired for the finesse and poetry of her playing, Cécile Leblond is a sought-after musician, invited to perform both in chamber-music ensembles and prestigious orchestras.
At the École Normale de Musique Alfred-Cortot, in Paris. If you wish to study in Pierre Lenert’s class, you may apply.
For a concert, a recital, a masterclass, an educational project, or a question about the novels.