BWd12 Festival

BWd12: Chamber Music in the Heart of the Loire Gorges

Since 2005, the BWd12 Festival has established itself as a major chamber music event, combining artistic excellence, conviviality, and openness to all audiences. Nestled in the exceptional setting of the Château de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, on the banks of the Loire gorges, the festival derives its name from a triple tribute: B for Bach, W for Werke ("works" in German), and d12 for the twelve founding musicians.

A Musical and Human Adventure

The festival was created on the initiative of Aimé Berthon, a resident of Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, and Samuel Etienne, a cellist and artistic director. Their ambition: to democratize chamber music by making it accessible in an exceptional heritage site. Each year, about fifteen artists—musicians from major national orchestras and renowned soloists—gather for a week-long residency at the château to work together before sharing the fruits of these exchanges with the public.

The Château Amphitheater: An Acoustic Gem

The concerts take place in the open-air amphitheater of the Château de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, an outdoor theater with exceptional acoustics. The site offers a breathtaking view of the Loire gorges and Lake Grangent, in a remarkable natural and heritage environment. The capacity of 350 seats ensures a rare proximity between musicians and the audience.

From Duos to Sextets: A Demanding Program

The festival's programming explores all chamber music formations, from duos to sextets. Each edition features four evening concerts (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 5 PM), complemented by free events on Saturday and Sunday mornings: discovery workshops, public rehearsals, or participatory concerts. The repertoire mixes the great masters—Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, Fauré, Rachmaninoff—and contemporary discoveries, from Karol Beffa to Olivier Messiaen.

Conviviality and Sharing

The spirit of the festival is based on exchange and conviviality. Each work is presented to the public before being performed, and the concerts are followed by a complimentary buffet allowing the audience to interact with the musicians and volunteers. Chaired by Richard Verney-Carron, the BWd12 association brings together around 35 volunteers who work year-round to organize the festival.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

The BWd12 Festival is supported by the City of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne Métropole, the Department of the Loire, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. It is a member of local cultural networks and contributes to the influence of the Loire gorges heritage. Since its creation, the festival has presented over 100 concerts and some 600 works, welcoming a total of approximately 20,000 spectators.