Éric Desnoues and Valérie Faure defend a conception of concerts as a meeting between artists, works, and locations, a demanding triptych. A craft work that they claim as artisanal, of human stitches, built in dialogue with the artists, from the enlightened years of the key in hand. A very precise artistic line in line with the locations, repertoires, and works.
The 55th edition of the Nuits Musicales, from July 18 to 29, 2026, keeps this spirit, from the Ombrière to the courtyard of the Duché, passing through the courtyard of the Evêché. This logic is felt from the opening of the festival.
Dido and Aeneas, youth in the opening
On July 18 at 9:30 pm at the Ombrière, the festival opens with Dido and Aeneas by Purcell in a semi-staged version. The European Young Baroque Orchestra, a professional integration device, brings together young musicians from European conservatories around a production mounted on site before going on tour. An opening designed as a training project as much as creation.
Samuel Mariño, baroque with a unique voice
On July 19 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Duché, the opening gala highlights the countertenor Samuel Mariño in a program of arias by Vivaldi and Handel. Coming from the El Sistema system, he is part of a path where music also contributes to a form of social cohesion. He is accompanied by the Royal Opera Orchestra under the direction of Andrés Gabetta.
Mozart shared with Tharaud
On July 20 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Duché, Alexandre Tharaud joins the Avignon Provence National Orchestra conducted by Philippe Bernold. On the program, Mozart’s Concerto No. 9 Jeunehomme and Symphony No. 31 Paris, as well as the Overture from Orpheus and Eurydice by Gluck and a creation for solo flute and orchestra by Fabien Cali. The pianist has recently created a foundation to support young artists, a commitment in line with the attention paid here to emerging talent.
Grosvenor, a highlight of the festival
On July 22 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Duché, the British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor offers a recital dedicated to Beethoven, Schumann, Scriabin, and Chopin. Considered one of the great interpreters of today, he is one of the highlights of this edition.
Spinosi, a program without a soloist
On July 24 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Duché, Jean-Christophe Spinosi conducts the Ensemble Matheus in a symphonic program entirely built with the festival. Without a soloist, the evening features Mozart, Rossini, Schubert, and Mendelssohn, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Italian Symphony, in a form designed as a coherent set.
Manoukian, memory and circulation of music
On July 27 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Evêché, André Manoukian presents The Sultana in quartet. The pianist continues his work around his Armenian roots, blending jazz, classical music, world music, and improvisation.
Chaplin, from cinema to gypsy jazz
On July 28 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Evêché, Stochelo and Mozes Rosenberg Trio, with Matheus Nicolaiewsky, present The Chaplin Project. The project extends a collaboration with the Chaplin family around the filmmaker’s origins and revisits his music by adding original compositions.
Cesária Évora, a transmitted repertoire
On July 29 at 9:30 pm in the courtyard of the Evêché, the Cesária Évora Orchestra pays tribute to the Cape Verdean singer. Around its musicians, several voices extend a repertoire that has become heritage.
And from the month of November, the Nuits Musicales will put on their winter clothes. On January 24, 2027, at 5 pm at the Ombrière, the Maîtrise Saint Marc is announced for The Choristers 20 years later. It is no longer about the same children, but about a new program, new songs, and a new momentum led by Nicolas Porte, still at the head of the ensemble.
Beyond the programming, the Nuits Musicales implement a policy aimed at young audiences, with a €10 rate for those under 25 and an encouragement for family outings. Sponsorship and donations support actions around concerts, artistic excellence, and the professional integration of young musicians. After the summer, five concerts are scheduled between November and April 2027. Baroque, classical, jazz, symphonic, the same line. The Janoska Ensemble of Hungarian musicians, the Choir and the Royal Opera Orchestra return with Handel and Vivaldi, conducted by Chloé de Guillebon. The Maîtrise Saint-Marc choir is announced, as well as a tribute to Quincy Jones. The season ends with Wonderful World, a program around nature, with images by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and a narrator, Lambert Wilson.
More information here.
