Balades Musicales en Aveyron
Traveling chamber music festival in Aveyron
About Balades Musicales
Chamber music takes over Aveyron's heritage
Since 2021, the Balades Musicales en Aveyron have been offering an exceptional musical setting in the churches and heritage sites of Aveyron. Created by Jean-Sébastien Borsarello, principal timpanist of the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse, and Thibault Blanchard-Dubois, this traveling chamber music festival transforms rural religious buildings into intimate and warm concert halls.
Free concerts in the churches of Aveyron
Every summer, a series of seven concerts unfolds in the festival's partner towns: Villecomtal, Estaing, Bozouls, Espalion, Golinhac, Montrozier, and Campuac. Admission is free for all concerts, ensuring access to culture for as many people as possible. In Villecomtal, the concert takes place in the magnificent Saint-Barthélémy church, followed by a stroll through the village accompanied by music.
An eclectic and demanding repertoire
The programming of the Balades Musicales demonstrates a delightful eclecticism: from the poignant romanticism of Schubert to the impressionism of Debussy and Ravel, including Bach, Fauré, Offenbach, Pleyel, and the captivating rhythms of jazz and Spanish music. Musicians from the Capitole Orchestra—violinists, cellists, clarinetists, flutists, and percussionists—come together in original chamber ensembles to share their passion for music.
A cultural project for the rural territory
Supported by the association Europik Music Aveyron, the festival is part of a cultural democratization initiative in rural areas. By investing in the heritage sites of Aveyron's villages, the Balades Musicales create a strong link between classical music and local heritage, offering residents and visitors a high-quality artistic experience in an authentic and preserved setting.
Balades Musicales — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the Balades Musicales en Aveyron takes place from July 30th to August 4th, 2026. A week of free chamber music concerts in the churches and heritage sites of the rural communes of the Comtal, Lot et Truyère community, including the Saint-Barthélémy church in Villecomtal. Musicians from the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse, under the artistic direction of Jean-Sébastien Borsarello, perform an eclectic repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary.
Balades Musicales en Aveyron — 6th edition (2026)
From July 30th to August 4th, 2026, the Balades Musicales en Aveyron presents its 6th edition: a week of free chamber music concerts that highlight the architectural and cultural heritage of the rural communes of the Comtal, Lot et Truyère community of communes. The concerts take place in the churches and heritage sites of the territory, including the Saint-Barthélémy church in Villecomtal.
Organized by the Europik Music association and under the artistic direction of Jean-Sébastien Borsarello (musician from the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse), the festival brings together musicians from the Capitole de Toulouse around a program blending classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoire.
Highlights of the 2026 edition
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons juxtaposed with Piazzolla's
- Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 13 (quintet version)
- Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet
- A Central European program featuring Dvořák, Janáček, and Ipavec
- An original work for cello commissioned from composer Séverine Ballon
- A cine-concert featuring two short films by Charlie Chaplin
- Two Bach cello suites "rewritten," presented, and commented on by artist Amandine Robilliard
- The young talent of 2026, Cantal pianist Gabriel Cassagnes, performing Italian, Spanish, and French composers
Free admission for all concerts. The detailed day-by-day program (dates, times, and locations of each concert) is gradually published on the official website.
Highlights Balades Musicales 2026
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons versus Piazzolla's
- Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 13
- Creation of a cello work by Séverine Ballon
- Charlie Chaplin cine-concert and Bach suites reinvented by Amandine Robilliard
- Free concerts by musicians from the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse
Prices Balades Musicales 2026
Practical information — Balades Musicales
Practical Information
Access
Concerts take place in several towns in Aveyron. The concert in Villecomtal is held at the Saint-Barthélémy church, 12580 Villecomtal.
- By car: From Rodez (20 km), take the D988 towards Espalion then the D42.
- Parking: Free parking in the village.
Schedule
Concerts are held in the late afternoon, usually at 6:30 PM, followed by a stroll in the village. Period: late July - early August.
Prices
Free admission for all concerts.
Contact
- Artistic Direction: Jean-Sébastien Borsarello and Thibault Blanchard-Dubois
- Association: Europik Music Aveyron
- Website: www.baladesmusicalesaveyron.fr
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Where does it take place — Balades Musicales
Église Saint-Barthélémy de Villecomtal
Église Saint-Barthélémy, 12580 Villecomtal