Hortense Cartier-Bresson is an established and important figure on the international music scene, and is regularly invited to perform in France and abroad.

She was appointed piano professor at the CNSM in 2011 having taught piano and chamber music at the CNR de Boulogne-Billancourt for many years. During this time she also directed a chamber orchestra.

In 1979 Hortense Cartier-Bresson had a decisive encounter with Gyôrgy Sebök, and following her studies at the CNSM, she studied with him in Bloomington, Indiana.

She was rapidly considered ‘one of the most remarkable pianists of her generation’, and in 1981 she won the 3rd prize in the LISZT-Bartok competition (the 1st prize not being attributed). A brilliant career thus began, leading her to play as a recitalist around the world, and also as soloist with symphony orchestras such as the Orchestre de Paris directed by Ricardo Chailly, or the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under Antal Dorati.

Starting with recordings of the works of Bartok (Accord/Universal), she has recorded both concertos by Chopin in the version for Piano Quintet, and the opus 116,117,and 118 by Brahms (Aparté Music)

Brahms opuses 116, 117 and 118 (Aparté Music) released in February 2020 have been very warmly received by the media. A new recording dedicated to Bach and the new Vienna school (Berg, Schoenberg Webern) will be released on 11 February 2022.

Hortense Cartier-Bresson is a musician of integrity, passionate and individual in her approach to all forms of music. As an established chamber musician, she has played with many musicians including Roger Muraro, Pierre Fouchenneret, Ayako Tanaka, Raphaël Oleg, François Salque, Xavier Gagnepain, Nicolas Baldeyrou and the Ebène Quartet.

She is artistic director of the chamber music festival: Musique a la Prée.

Hortense Cartier-Bresson is sought after as a teacher, and gives master class in France and abroad, in Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and more regularly at the UDK University in Berlin where she is a guest professor.

She takes part regularly in summer music courses, such as the International Summer Academy in Nice and the MusicAlp Festival in Tignes.

She is frequently invited as jury member in international competitions.