Alain Louvier
Composer and Conductor
Photo: Isabelle de Rouville
Alain Louvier (born 1945) studied Mathematics in parallel with his studies at the Paris Conservatoire National under Olivier Messian and Manuel Rosenthal. He graduated with nine first prizes, and won the French Institute's Grand Prix de Rome. He is also the recipient of the Honegger (1975), Paul Gilson (1981) and Georges Enesco (SACEM, 1986) awards.
Alongside his career as a composer and conductor, he served as director of the Conservatoire of Boulogne-Billancourt (1972–1986) and later the Supreme National Conservatory of Paris (1986–1991). During his tenure, the Conservatoire created several new departments and made the move to the Cité de la Musique. He led the Music Analysis course in Paris, 1991–2009, before returning to the Conservatory of Boulogne-Billancourt in 2009 to resume his leadership role. As a composer, his collaboration with the Ensemble de l'Itinéraire has been significant and incorporated premières of works by Stockhausen, Scelsi, Grisey, Murail, Lévinas, Mantovani and others. As a composer, he introduced a special graphic syntax along with unique performance techniques into his piano works after 1964. He is interested in the use of mathematical concepts and micro-intervals in his compositions. His orchestral works combine a personal lyricism with the musical heritage of France.