Célimène Daudet is a French concert pianist, who though still in her 20s, has performed on prestigious European stages in France, Germany, Russia and England. Only recently she has been invited to perform in one of Europe’s most important piano festivals La Roque d’Antheron in the south of France. Some of her concerts have been transmitted by French and German radio and French TV. She is a Premier Prix recipient in performing of the Conservatoire Superieure de Musique de Lyon and that of chamber music of the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Dans de Paris. Mademoiselle Daudet has been a laureate in the Jean Francaix International competition in 1999 and also in the Paris Chamber Music International competition in 2002.

On 10 October she will be joining Maltese pianist Stefan Cassar in an all-French two-piano recital inaugurating the Manoel Theatre music season.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I'm 29, a Leo, born on 19 August 1977.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I do not relish the idea of approaching 40 years at all. Come to think of it, the idea, 10 years ago, of approaching my 30s horrified me no less. Yet, now, I can see nothing wrong with being almost 30.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Listening to Gould's interpretation of Goldberg variations while sipping a glass of the best Burgundy.

What is your favourite occupation?

Sleeping and dreaming.

What is your greatest fear?

I'm afraid of nothing …except of death... now, that sounds rather brazen, but still....

What is it that you most value in your friends?

The fact they accept to look after my dog when I'm away from home. No, seriously… I value most those that accept me as I am ... warts and all.

How would you like to die?

But why do you talk to me about my greatest fear? ... if ever I must die I'd prefer to do it in my sleep after having had the most beautiful of dreams.

What is your greatest extravagance?

A whole night in a casino losing all the money I still had to earn.

What is your greatest regret?

Having spent the night at the casino... and lost what I did not have.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Steinway.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

The talent of writer and poet Baudelaire … the ability to make the most of the time available.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being hungry and having nothing to eat ... trying to live on an empty stomach.

Where would you like to live?

I deeply love France but it doesn't matter much where I live as long as I'm surrounded by good music and, obviously, by good musicians.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Tenacity.... Yes I must say I'm very tenacious.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

I have a profound admiration for Martha Angarich, Bach, my parents, Monet... not to mention others. But, unfortunately, I'm still awaiting my True Hero.

What is it that you most dislike?

Intolerance and frog’s legs.

What is your motto?

‘La vie est courte mais le chemin est

long.’