Deeply rooted in the French classical tradition, flutist Hélène Navasse began her musical training in France under the guidance of Jean Etienne, Céline Nessi and Pierre-Yves Artaud, before continuing her studies with Harrie Starreveld
in the soloclass at Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam, where she graduated cum laude with first prize in flute. She later specialized in orchestral performance, chamber music and contemporary repertoire in Amsterdam, and holds furthermore the highest diploma from the Royal Danish Academy of Music.

At just 18, Hélène joined Ensemble Polychromie, a Lille-based French ensemble dedicated to new music, marking the beginning of her lifelong engagement with contemporary repertoire. Hélène was later appointed Associate Principal Flutist of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra (DK).
Since 2016, she has been a member of Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen, Denmark’s leading ensemble for new music. 

Described by composer Bent Sørensen as “one of the most important catalysts for new experimental music and a tremendous inspiration to all of us composers”, Hélène has collaborated with leading composers such as Kaija Saariaho, David Lang, Simon Steen-Andersen, Bára Gísladottir, Bent Sørensen and Hans Abrahamsen.

A passionate advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered and recorded numerous works written for her. She has performed with distinguished contemporary music ensembles including  MusikFabrik, Schönberg Ensemble, Asko Ensemble, Klangforum Wien, Curious Chamber Players and most recently Ensemble Intercontemporain.

With a deep affinity for the lower flutes, Hélène has commissioned and premiered internationally “Innocent Mind and Mayday  ” for alto flute and ensemble by 
Peter Bruun, as well as “ Flashnight” for bass flute, electronic and ensemble by Niels Rosing-Schow, also recorded at Dacapo Records. 

A prize-winner in several international competitions, she performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician, with engagements spanning from the United States to Japan and from Iceland to Lebanon. She has appeared as soloist with the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Reykjavik Chamber Orchestra , Caput,  Århus Sinfonietta, and Athelas Sinfonietta.

Hélène has performed in numerous chamber music constellations and was member of the internationally acclaimed woodwind quintet Carion for nearly a decade, before becoming a founding member of the Copenhagen-based woodwind quintet Atlas CPH, where she is currently an active member.

In addition to her solo and chamber music activity, Hélène is a regular guest with major orchestras including the Danish Royal Opera and Odense Symphony Orchestra. She has performed with renowned artists including  Barbara Hannigan and Emmanuel Pahud. 

Remarkably, Hélène has held the  French Certificat d’Aptitude (CA) in pedagogy since the age of 18. This prestigious certification, awarded by the French Ministry of Culture,  is recognized as a mark of exceptional expertise and dedication to music education. She currently teaches at Hørsholm Music School, and is  also formally qualified to teach at the Royal Danish Academy of Music (DKDM).

Hélène is currently based in Copenhagen.