Internationally acclaimed pianist, known for his interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, and Debussy,
philippe Cassard is also a celebrated figure among listeners of france Musique. He was awarded the
Prix de la Scam and the Grand Prix of the Charles Cros Academy for “Translator notes,” a programme he
hosted from 2005 to 2015. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of his “family portraits” program,
which airs on Saturdays, he has curated two special broadcasts (aired May 17 and 24, available as
podcasts).These programs are designed as a festive gathering of artists and friends, including
Michel Béroff, Natalie Dessay, Karine Deshayes, Anne Gastinel, Cédric Pescia, and actor François
Berléand.Here, we meet the musician and radio enthusiast.

The Importance of Radio

For Philippe Cassard, radio holds a more prominent position than television. He recalls that his
parents acquired their first television when he was 12, coinciding with the 1974 presidential
elections. France Inter, he says, was a cornerstone of their household.He vividly remembers the
voices of Gérard Sire, Jean-Marie Cavada, yves Mourousi, and Ève Ruggieri, whom his mother listened
to daily. At midday, the family often tuned into Pierre Bellemarre’s game shows on Europe 1, a radio
station his parents considered very aligned with their views. He remains especially fond of the
voice of Pierre Bellemare, which he describes as the quintessential voice of radio, speaking to both
the collective and the individual. Weekends were typically filled with the sounds of France Musique.

For me, this is the voice of the radio: it is for both everyone and alone.

Radio Broadcasting and its cultural Impact: An Explainer