Cordes en Ballade

The Quatuor Debussy on a journey in Ardèche

Cordes en Ballade was born in 1999 from the desire of the Quatuor Debussy, an internationally renowned string quartet based in Lyon, to create a unique musical event in the Ardèche region. Supported by the association Les Éclisses, the festival has established itself over more than 25 editions as one of the unmissable events for classical music in the south of France.

A traveling festival between heritage and music

The unique feature of Cordes en Ballade is its traveling nature. For two weeks in July, the festival takes over remarkable heritage sites:

• Romanesque churches and chapels in southern Ardèche
• Cloisters and historic courtyards
• Town halls and characteristic venues
• Heritage sites in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Aubenas, Privas, Viviers, and Cruas

This musical journey through the region allows spectators to discover both the richness of the classical repertoire and the beauty of Ardèche's architectural heritage.

The Summer Academy of the Quatuor Debussy

The festival includes a Summer Academy, an essential educational component. Each year, the Quatuor Debussy introduces young musicians to chamber music and supports the emergence of young string quartets towards professionalization through advanced training courses and stage performances. "La Balade des cordes," the social and solidarity aspect of the project, allows audiences furthest from culture to benefit from concerts and meetings with musicians.

An audacious and cross-disciplinary program

While strings remain at the heart of the project, Cordes en Ballade is not limited to the traditional classical repertoire. The festival invites artists from all backgrounds for unique musical encounters: Argentine tango, world music, French chanson. The 2025 edition celebrated the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel with original transcriptions and bold reinterpretations. The program included the Quatuor Ellipsos (saxophones) for a "Boléro & Co" concert and a tribute to Piazzolla, blending cello, accordion, and strings.