Cuivres en Ardennes
Brass, classical, jazz and funk music festival in Sedan
About Cuivres en Ardennes
A festival dedicated to brass in Sedan
The Cuivres en Ardennes festival was born in 2021 from the desire of six young passionate musicians — Matthieu Honoré, Nicolas Josa, Nicolas Vazquez, Adrien Crabeil, Mylène Menteaux, and Cyril Potron — united within an association created in 2011. After years of traveling music workshops under the name "Musik Argonne", successively held in Saint-Walfroy, Mouzon, Haybes, and Stenay, the association settled in Sedan in 2021 to launch a real festival. Since then, Cuivres en Ardennes has established itself as a must-attend summer musical event in the Ardennes region.
An eclectic program between classical, jazz, and funk
For about ten days, between late July and early August, the festival offers an eclectic program mixing classical music, jazz, funk-rock, street brass bands, and percussion. The concerts showcase brass instruments — trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas — in various formations: chamber ensembles, orchestras, brass bands, and fanfares. Each edition hosts renowned professional musicians as well as young talents from French and European conservatories.
Iconic venues in Sedan
Concerts are held in the iconic venues of the city of Sedan. The Pôle Culturel Calonne (MJC Calonne) hosts indoor concerts and recitals by young talents. The churches of Sedan offer their remarkable acoustics for classical and baroque pieces. The streets of the city center resonate with brass bands and musical parades. The highlight of the festival is the "Nuit Cuivrée", a grand open-air concert in the Botanical Garden of Sedan, followed by a festive evening with local food and drinks.
A festival-school open to all
Beyond the concerts, Cuivres en Ardennes is also a festival-school. It offers music workshops open to amateurs of all ages and professional students, led by experienced musicians. These workshops, held in parallel with the concerts, are an opportunity for participants to improve their instrumental practice while experiencing the immersive atmosphere of a festival. The end-of-workshop performances are an integral part of the program, offering participants the chance to perform in public.
Cuivres en Ardennes — edition 2026
6th edition of Cuivres en Ardennes, from July 25 to August 1, 2026 in Sedan. A week of concerts celebrating the richness of the brass and percussion family, blending classical music, jazz, funk, and street bands. Concerts in churches, at MJC Calonne, at Salle Marcillet, and in the town center squares, culminating in the 'Nuit Cuivrée' (Brass Night) at the Botanical Garden. Music workshops open to all levels.
6th Edition from July 25 to August 1, 2026
The 6th edition of Cuivres en Ardennes will take place from July 25 to August 1, 2026 in Sedan. The program celebrates the richness of the brass family through high-quality artists and ensembles, alternating intimate concerts, performances by large formations, and numerous activities open to all. Events will unfold in various venues across the city: churches, MJC Calonne (Pôle Culturel Calonne), Salle Marcillet, and town center squares. Within the green setting of the Botanical Garden, the 'Nuit Cuivrée' (Brass Night) is one of the week's highlights.
As every year, the festival remains a festival-school: music workshops for brass and percussion, open to amateurs of all ages as well as professional students, take place in parallel with the concerts, with public performances integrated into the program.
Programme Cuivres en Ardennes 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026
- 2:30 PM — Ensemble Ad Libitum & Co (brass & percussion) · Salle Marcillet · paid concert (reservation recommended). Around thirty musicians to celebrate the workshop's 20th anniversary.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
- 8:30 PM — 'Le Souffle du Serpent' (The Serpent's Breath), with Patrick Wibart · Pôle Culturel Calonne · free admission. Renaissance and Baroque serpent on period instruments.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- 11:00 AM — 'Cuivres en Fêtes' (Brass in Celebration), festive parade (brass band / batucada) · Sedan market · paid.
- 8:30 PM — Concert by the No Slide Brass Sextet · Salle Marcillet · free admission. French repertoire and European popular traditions.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Young talents recital (piano accompaniment) · Pôle Culturel Calonne · free admission.
Friday, August 1, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Trainees' musical morning · Église Saint-Charles · free admission.
- 2:30 PM — Grand concert by the brass & percussion orchestra · Salle Marcillet · paid. Around a hundred musicians performing emblematic works.
- 6:30 PM → 12:30 AM — La Nuit Cuivrée (Brass Night) · Jardin Botanique · paid. Festive open-air evening with local food, games, and family entertainment. On the program: Les Marteaux (6:30 PM), Ritmistas dos Pily (8:00 PM), LGMX (10:00 PM).
Highlights Cuivres en Ardennes 2026
- The 'Nuit Cuivrée' (Brass Night) at the Botanical Garden, a grand festive open-air closing evening
- Grand brass and percussion orchestra bringing together around a hundred musicians
- Patrick Wibart and 'Le Souffle du Serpent' on period instruments
- Festival-school: brass and percussion workshops open to all levels
Prices Cuivres en Ardennes 2026
Practical information — Cuivres en Ardennes
Practical Information
Access
Concerts take place in various venues in Sedan: Pôle Culturel Calonne, churches, city center streets, and the Botanical Garden.
- By car: A34 then N43 from Charleville-Mézières (20 min).
- By train: Sedan SNCF station.
Prices
- Some concerts are free (street brass bands, parades)
- Paid concerts: variable prices depending on the evening (around 5 to 15 euros)
- Nuit Cuivrée: price to be confirmed
Contact
- Website: cuivresenardennes.fr
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Where does it take place — Cuivres en Ardennes
Pôle Culturel Calonne et lieux emblématiques de Sedan
Pôle Culturel Calonne, 08200 Sedan