First-prize winner in the International Harpsichord Competition in Montreal in June 1999, Violaine Cochard worked with the finest teachers to develop a personal and inventive style. In 1991 she was awarded a first prize at the Conservatoire (CNR) in Angers, where she studied with Françoise Marmin, and entered the classes of Christophe Rousset and Kenneth Gilbert at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM). Three years later she graduated with three first prizes – for continuo and harpsichord – awarded unanimously by the jury. She continued her training with Pierre Hantaï and Christophe Rousset (advanced course at the CNSM in Paris).

An inspired continuo player, a fine soloist, a teacher for three years (1999-2002) at the Conservatoire (CNR) in Montpellier, Violaine Cochard devotes much of her time to chamber music, working regularly with various ensembles, including the Ricercar Consort (Philippe Pierlot), Il Seminario Musicale (Gérard Lesne), Les Paladins (Jérôme Corréas) and, of course, Amarillis, playing continuo or solo. She also plays continuo for operatic productions by Les Talens Lyriques (Christophe Rousset) and Le Concert d'Astrée (Emmanuelle Haïm). Violaine Cochard gives recitals and chamber concerts at festivals in France, elsewhere in Europe, and in Latin America (Cité de la Musique in Paris, La Chaise-Dieu, Nantes, Ambronay, Beaune, Montreux, Utrecht, Pisa…). She is also heard on France Musique and has been invited to take part in broadcasts for the BBC.

Violaine Cochard was a founding member of Amarillis, a baroque ensemble with a variable line-up which currently ranks amongst the most original groups in Europe. The Ensemble has been awarded three international first prizes.