To reach the age of 100 is already an incredible feat for anyone, but this woman, at 109, can do something much more impressive.
Colette Maze stands out for many reasons, and not just because of her incredible age. At 109 years old, she’s not just celebrating a long life; she’s releasing her sixth album, titled “109 Years of Music,” a collection featuring works by Schumann, Gershwin, Piazzolla, and her most cherished composer, Debussy.
Colette was born in June 1914. Inspired by the melodies floating down from the apartment above her, Colette found her calling. With a mother who played the violin and a grandfather who was also a musician, it was clear early on that Colette had music in her blood. By the age of 15, she was honing her skills at the esteemed École Normale de Musique. There’s even a mini-documentary celebrating her extraordinary life, which you can watch below:
Collette has lived for so long, she’s barely a decade younger than some of the pieces she performs. Debussy, who passed away in 1918 when Colette was just a child, might have been a familiar figure in her neighborhood. Her training at the École Normale de Musique under luminaries like Alfred Cortot, Georges Dandelot, Jeanne Blancard, and Nadia Boulanger shaped her into the musician she is today.
Yet, Colette’s path wasn’t without its challenges. Despite her evident talent and the quality of her education, her parents were opposed to her pursuing a career in music. They imposed strict rules that limited her practice time and insisted she focus on teaching rather than performing. Despite these hurdles, Colette’s passion for music never waned, as evidenced by her breathtaking performances of Debussy, even at 108 years old.