The Play Bach Festival returns to Draguignan from May 7 to May 19 for its 16th edition, open to all audiences with concerts, choirs, and dance.
The city of Draguignan is getting ready to resonate again with the sound of classical music with the grand return of the Play Bach Festival. For its 16th edition, this major cultural event, co-organized by the municipality and Theatres en Dracénie, will take place from May 7 to May 19, 2026. True to its vocation, the festival aims to bring together music lovers as well as non-initiated individuals around the timeless work of Johann Sebastian Bach, while exploring bold and contemporary artistic horizons.
This new edition promises to be a must-attend event in the cultural spring of Dracénie, transforming the city into a true open-air stage. The objective remains unchanged: democratizing access to classical music and creating bridges between eras and audiences.
An eclectic and accessible program
The heart of the festival lies in its ability to blend tradition and modernity. This year’s program perfectly illustrates this desire with a rich and varied artistic offering. The public will be able to attend chamber music concerts, choir performances highlighting the sacred dimension of Bach’s work, as well as dance shows offering a bodily and visual interpretation of baroque compositions.
The great novelty of this 16th edition is a deliberate foray into contemporary music, including an evening titled “Electro Bach”. This concept promises an audacious fusion between the German composer’s repertoire and contemporary electronic sounds, a unique sensory experience intended to attract a new generation of spectators and once again prove the universality of his music.
Three emblematic venues for a musical immersion
To host this diverse program, the festival will take place in three emblematic locations in Draguignan, each offering a distinct atmosphere. The Theatre de l’Esplanade, a nationally recognized stage, will host major concerts and shows, providing optimal acoustics and technical conditions.
The Saint-Michel Church, with its historic setting and solemnity, will be a magnificent setting for sacred music concerts and choral performances, allowing for a deep immersion in the spirituality of Bach’s work. Lastly, the more unexpected choice of Stade Leo Lagrange hints at larger-scale events or original formats, possibly outdoors, emphasizing the festival’s desire to break away from the beaten path and reach out to all audiences.
An event supported by the City and Theatres en Dracénie
This renewed partnership between the City of Draguignan and the cultural organization Theatres en Dracénie reflects a common commitment to artistic excellence and access to culture for all residents of the region. By joining forces, the two entities ensure the sustainability and development of a festival that has established itself over the years as a reference. The full program, guest artists, and ticketing details will be officially presented to the press on Tuesday, April 28, and communicated to the general public shortly after.
