Cordes en Ballade
Traveling festival of classical music led by the Quatuor Debussy
About 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.
Cordes en Ballade — edition 2026
The 27th edition of Cordes en Ballade takes place from July 7 to 19, 2026 in Ardèche. During these two weeks, the itinerant festival, supported by the Quatuor Debussy and the Les Éclisses association, offers chamber music concerts in about ten communes in the south and center of the department (Viviers, Aubenas, Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Cruas, Villeneuve-de-Berg, Le Teil…). The 2026 edition is dedicated to intercultural dialogue between European classical repertoires and South American music.
2026 Edition: Europe and Latin America in Dialogue
For its 27th edition, from July 7 to 19, 2026, Cordes en Ballade weaves an intercultural dialogue between the European classical repertoire and South American music. The program brings together works by Haydn, Ravel, and Albéniz with those of Latin American composers such as Luis Calvo, Astor Piazzolla, or Ney Rosauro, with incursions into tango, popular South American melodies, baroque music, and an evening dedicated to Latin American cinema.
An Itinerant Festival in Ardèche's Heritage Sites
As every year, the concerts take place in remarkable heritage sites in about ten communes in the south and center of Ardèche: Romanesque churches, cloisters, town halls, and characteristic venues, from Viviers to Aubenas, passing through Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Cruas, Villeneuve-de-Berg, Larnas, or Le Teil. The Quatuor Debussy's summer academy simultaneously supports young instrumentalists and young string quartets.
Programme Cordes en Ballade 2026
The detailed program for the 27th edition (July 7 → 19, 2026) is being published by the organizer. Several highlights have already been announced:
- Quatuor Debussy — internationally renowned string quartet from Lyon, the artistic common thread of the festival
- Filarmónica Joven de Colombia — national youth orchestra of Colombia
- Adélaïde Ferrière — percussionist
- Mariana Flores — mezzo-soprano (concert on July 13)
Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Viviers
“Duos Day”: three concerts during the day in Viviers (offered with a dedicated pass).
Monday, July 13, 2026 — Larnas
“New Talents” concert at Larnas church, showcasing the young musicians of the summer academy.
The complete program, concert by concert (venues, times, works), is updated on the official website and online ticketing as it is announced.
Highlights Cordes en Ballade 2026
- 27th itinerant edition, from July 7 to 19, 2026, in about ten communes in the south and center of Ardèche
- Dialogue between European classical repertoire (Haydn, Ravel, Albéniz) and South American music (Piazzolla, Luis Calvo, Ney Rosauro)
- Tango, baroque, and an evening dedicated to Latin American cinema
- Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, percussionist Adélaïde Ferrière, mezzo-soprano Mariana Flores, alongside the Quatuor Debussy
- Summer academy and “New Talents” concerts for young string quartets
Prices Cordes en Ballade 2026
Practical information — Cordes en Ballade
Access
Traveling festival in several towns in southern Ardèche. Main venue: Bourg-Saint-Andéol (07700).
- Other venues: Aubenas, Privas, Viviers, Cruas
- By car: From Montélimar (20 min), take the A7 then the D86 towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
- By train: Montélimar station, then connecting transport.
Ticketing
Bookings at cordesenballade.com
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Where does it take place — Cordes en Ballade
Divers lieux patrimoniaux du sud Ardèche
Centre-ville, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol