Ault en Musiques

Ault en Musiques: Classical Music at the Summit of the Picardy Cliffs

Since 2011, the Ault en Musiques festival has transformed the small seaside town of Ault into an exceptional musical setting each summer. Founded by cellist David Louwerse, the festival's artistic director, and supported by the association Les Musiciens de l'Instant, this event was born from a desire to democratize classical music by bringing it to remarkable heritage sites, in the heart of a rural and coastal area often far from major cultural programming.

Heritage Sites as Musical Settings

The uniqueness of Ault en Musiques lies in its concert venues, all rich in history and character. The Ancien Casino d'Ault, a testament to the town's golden age as a seaside resort, offers unique acoustics and ambiance for recitals. The Saint-Pierre church in Ault, with its centuries-old vaults, is magnificently suited for great works of the classical repertoire. The Chapel of Bois de Cise, nestled in a wooded valley by the sea, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame d'Onival bring a rare intimacy to chamber music concerts. The Jacques-Prévert cultural center and the Paul-Éluard library complete this network of cultural venues used by the festival.

An Eclectic and Demanding Program

Each edition of Ault en Musiques is designed around a unifying theme, presented under the general title "Un air de...". The program features chamber music, classical and baroque repertoire, while also opening up to jazz, world music, and musical performances. The concerts, lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes without an intermission, allow for total immersion in the world of each program.

The festival invites top-level musicians, often from the international scene, alongside regional talents. Among the regularly featured artists are clarinetist Michel Lethiec, the Lethiec family violists and violinists, pianist David Catel, and accordionist Pascal Contet. Performing artists, such as actress Fanny Cottençon, also participate in musical performances blending text and music.

A Commitment to Cultural Democratization

Beyond the concerts, Ault en Musiques pursues a strong mission of cultural mediation. The festival organizes masterclasses, educational workshops for schoolchildren, and specific actions for vulnerable audiences, particularly children and adults with autism. Free concerts, including an interactive show for young audiences, are offered at each edition, affirming the festival's commitment to making music accessible to the greatest number.

A collective exhibition by visual artists (photography, painting, sculpture, textile art) is also presented at the Jacques-Prévert cultural center throughout July, on the theme of the edition.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

Ault occupies a remarkable geographical position: the town is located at the southern end of the Côte d'Opale, at the top of chalk cliffs that rise over 70 meters above the English Channel. The Bois de Cise, a classified wooded valley that descends to the sea, is one of the most romantic natural sites on the Picardy coast. This exceptional setting, between sky, sea, and cliffs, gives outdoor concerts or those in chapels a unique atmosphere, where music resonates with the wild beauty of the Picardy coastline.