How did you and your husband meet?
We met at a dinner party in Paris. He gave me a ride home. It lasted 10 minutes but I was impressed by his originality—he told me about what he played on the piano; clearly, he must have devoted a lot of time to be able to play such difficult pieces. Soon after, he invited her for lunch in an office at Dior. He asked for me to be given a tour of the Dior boutique. His assistant kept saying: Mr. Arnault had this changed, Mr. Arnault had that changed, which made me think he worked in interior design. I only understood later, after I looked into it.
What was it like juggling concert life and family life?
I still performed while I was pregnant and while my children were young, although I played less frequently. I felt guilty about leaving the little ones. But now that they are older, I play a lot more. I relish the chance to travel to countries opening up to classical music. I like discovering new audiences. China is building so many new concert halls! In 2025, I played with Herbie Hancock at International Jazz Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. I’ve played in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan with Daniel. Kyrgyzstan is his mother’s birthplace. Soon I am off to perform in Georgia with Daniel.
Have you ever released a solo album?
No, but life is long. I am lucky I can pursue this career my entire life. I love the fact that I can do it without feeling guilty.
What other genres of music do you enjoy?
I’ve always been drawn to pop music. There were the chansonniers—Michel Fugain, Jacques Brel, Leo Ferré—then the bands the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Police and Sting. Today, I find rap very interesting: Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z. I played with [Congolese rapper] Gims twice. I love it when rap is fused with other genres.
Do you discuss music with Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director?
Yes, Pharrell perceives colors in response to sounds, a condition known as synesthesia—so he recently created the set design and lighting of an opera by Pascal Dusapin at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. He was inspired by the constant dissonance in the music. The result was mesmerizing. It honestly brought tears to our eyes. He radiates positivity and is always full of gratitude. His Lego movie Piece by Piece was amazing. The number of Grammy nominations he’s received over the years is testament to his immense artistic contribution.
Do you perform at the Fondation Louis Vuitton?
Daniel is about to. I prefer not to perform there. I like to keep my roles separate so at the Fondation, I am simply supporting my husband.
Your book, Au fil des notes…, published in 2009, includes a photo of a gigantic bouquet Karl Lagerfeld sent you for one of your concerts. What’s the story behind that?
The bouquet was so large it wouldn’t fit through the dressing room door in Turin, so I had to leave it outside. I was extremely close to Karl. He didn’t speak [about his illness] and it was his right but he left without saying goodbye and it’s very hard for everyone. We can’t get over it. He was a mentor to Hedi. Karl had such a high level of excellence.
