I was born in 1953, in Paris. But soon after my birth my family (I have one sister) moved into a rent apartment in suburbs of Paris named Romainville. That time my parents were freshly married and it was extremely hard to find an apartment in Paris for a young married couple. To say they found a flat in a blocks of houses which was built after the second World War - and this is the place where I spent my childhood.
Richard ClaydermanMy father did not bother that I play not a classical music. He always congratulated me for my development in music, I mean in any music but, he hang on to continue training at the Academy of Music... however, I never mentioned to my teachers that I trained myself at weekends in clubs.
Richard ClaydermanA long time ago, I remember having cooperated with Shirley Bassey and I will never forget this moment which I shared with her while playing for and with her.
Richard ClaydermanThere are many artists I would like to have the honour to cooperate with. To accompany Barbara Streisand or Paul McCartney or Elton John would be a dream for me as I have a lot of admiration for their voice, their talent and their charisma.
Richard ClaydermanToday, Lan Lan is one of my favourite classical pianists.... Years ago I had a great admiration for Arthur Rubinstein but I have no doubt that Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin were also fantastic piano players - though there is no way to listen to them when they were performing.
Richard ClaydermanYears ago, while being in an airport in Australia, I happened to meet with David Helfgott. I knew that he was a bit fond of me and I was personally a fan of him. We were so happy to meet and hug and we had a very warm conversation together. Since that time.... about 20 years ago, I have not meet him again. I think that he is a very good pianist !
Richard Clayderman