Hélène Mercier is not just the wife of Bernard Arnault, the head of LVMH, but also a professional pianist. She has gained fame in classical music circles. Despite being married to one of the world’s richest men, she maintains a low-key and secretive life. Let’s discover more about her early life, career, family, and personal life.
Quick Facts About Hélène Mercier
Full Name | Hélène Mercier |
Birthdate | 5 February 1960 |
Age | 65 years and 4 months old |
Occupation | Concert Pianist |
Husband | Bernard Arnault (CEO of LVMH) |
Education | Vienna Academy of Music, Juilliard School, Paris Conservatory |
Parents | Not Known |
Siblings | Not Known |
Children | Three sons: Alexandre Arnault, Frédéric Arnault, Jean Arnault |
Net Worth | $1 million |
Residence | Paris, France |
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Hélène Mercier was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1960. She began playing the piano when she was just six years old. Her passion for music developed rapidly. She practiced every day and was extremely good at the piano at a young age.
When she was older, Hélène learned music at the world’s top schools. She studied at the Vienna Academy of Music, the Juilliard School in New York, and the Paris Conservatory. All of these are top schools that produce the best musicians.
Her Career as a Pianist
Hélène has been victorious in numerous music competitions in Canada and globally. She played with renowned orchestras, including the Orchestre de Paris, the National Philharmonic of Russia, and others. She collaborated with leading conductors, including Zubin Mehta and Seiji Ozawa.
Despite her marriage to a billionaire, Hélène continues to tour. She performs about twenty concerts annually. The majority of people in the audience at her performances do not even know her husband’s name. She likes to be famous because of her music, not because she is married. Hélène states that music is her own universe, and she prefers to leave it that way.
Meeting Bernard Arnault
It was at a dinner party in Paris that Hélène and Bernard Arnault first met, in 1990. They quickly became close. In 1991, they were married. Bernard had then recently divorced his first wife.
They both love music and the arts. Bernard plays the piano too. They both like to visit art museums and attend concerts. They both shared the same interests and this brought them even closer together.
Their Family Life
Hélène and Bernard have three sons:
- Alexandre Arnault, born 1992, works for Tiffany & Co.
- Frédéric Arnault, born 1995, is the head of LVMH Watches.
- Jean Arnault, born 1998, works for Louis Vuitton and has an MIT degree.
Bernard also has two children from his previous marriage—Delphine and Antoine—who work for the family business.
They live in Paris. They prefer to remain out of the public eye and have their lives private.
Life Beyond Music
Hélène lives a quiet and uncomplicated life. She looks after their house in Paris and spends time with her family. She also works on numerous art and culture initiatives alongside her husband. Jointly, they are involved in the Fondation Louis Vuitton, which caters to contemporary art.
Hélène doesn’t attempt to be a public figure. She doesn’t do too many interviews or public appearances. She spends most of her time with family, close friends, and music.
READ ALSO: Bernard Arnault Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
A Life of Balance
Hélène Mercier has developed a life that harmonizes fame and privacy. She is proud of her music career and also of being a wife and a mother. Her life proves that it is possible to be gifted and humble.
She conducts herself in a cautious manner, opting for family and music rather than the limelight. Though married to one of the world’s most influential men, she maintains her own identity and still pursues her vocation.