Sylvaine Hélary

Sylvaine Hélary is a versatile French flutist, composer, and singer known for her unique blending of contemporary music, jazz, and improvisation. She studied classical flute before shifting towards jazz and improvisation, developing a multifaceted approach that incorporates four different flutes, voice, and occasional saxophone and electric bass. Her artistic work spans a variety of settings—from acoustic groups like Spring Roll to electric bands such as Glowing Life, and projects with theatrical and spatial elements. Hélary’s sound exploration is marked by a deep curiosity and high artistic standards, often weaving composition and improvisation into singular musical experiences.

A prominent figure on the European jazz scene, she has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Steve Coleman, Matt Mitchell, Eve Risser, and Dominique Pifarély, among others. Beyond performing, she is actively engaged in pedagogy, conducting workshops to share her expertise. Recognized for her contributions, Sylvaine was named French Musician of the Year in 2018 by Jazz Magazine and was appointed artistic director and general manager of the Orchestre National de Jazz starting in 2025. Her recent project, "Rare Birds," features her large ensemble Orchestre Incandescent, blending contemporary jazz with baroque influences, showcasing her broad musical vision.

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