Festival 1001 Notes
Classical and contemporary music festival
About 1001 Notes
A festival that breaks down musical barriers
Created in 2009, the Festival 1001 Notes was born from the union of the Estivales du Chalard (Haute-Vienne) and the summer festival of Saint-Robert in Corrèze. Its name evokes both the Plateau des Mille Vaches, the highest point in Limousin, and the magic of the One Thousand and One Nights tale.
This festival offers a new approach to classical music, presented as the common ground for a multitude of musical universes. Classical music dialogues with rap, baroque with trip-hop, musical comedy with jazz, or even metal, in a spirit of breaking down barriers and unifying celebration.
An eclectic program
From its early editions, 1001 Notes has attracted renowned artists such as Alexandre Tharaud and Jordi Savall, while also offering a stage to young talents. The festival explores various musical genres ranging from world music to jazz, including electro and rock.
Exceptional voices
The festival regularly invites great voices from classical and contemporary music:
- Classical music: Philippe Jaroussky, Natalie Dessay, Cecilia Bartoli
- Contemporary music: Skye Edwards (Morcheeba), Tarja Turunen (Nightwish), Mariam Doumbia (Amadou & Mariam)
- Jazz and world music: leading international artists
A traveling festival
Although the festival has taken place mainly in Limoges (Patinoire olympique) for several years, its Corrèze roots remain vibrant. The festival was co-created by the summer festival of Saint-Robert in Corrèze, and some editions still feature concerts in the department.
The festival takes place over several days in July, offering about ten musical explorations that combine concerts, recitals, and performances.
A committed association
The 1001 Notes association carries the project with a clear ambition: to make classical music accessible by presenting it as a common ground for many musical styles. This unifying approach attracts diverse audiences, from classical enthusiasts to fans of contemporary music.
1001 Notes — edition 2026
21st edition of the 1001 Notes Festival, from July 15 to 19, 2026 at the Patinoire Olympique de Limoges. An edition dedicated to the voice and "1001 Notes creations", which bring classical music into dialogue with rap, hip-hop, baroque, trip-hop, jazz and metal. On the program: Natalie Dessay, Philippe Jaroussky, Tarja Turunen, Skye Edwards, Thibault Cauvin, Mariam (Amadou & Mariam) and the 1001 Notes Educational Symphony Orchestra.
21st edition — the voice at the heart of musical frontiers
For its 21st edition, from July 15 to 19, 2026, the 1001 Notes Festival will host its major concerts at the Patinoire Olympique de Limoges and offers a program that celebrates the voice in all its forms. The edition favors "1001 Notes creations", hybrid shows that bring together classical music and worlds as varied as symphonic rap, hip-hop, jazz, world music or metal.
The festival brings together great lyrical and popular voices — soprano Natalie Dessay, countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, singer Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), Skye Edwards (Morcheeba) and Mariam Doumbia (Amadou & Mariam) — alongside instrumentalists such as pianist Beatrice Berrut, guitarist Thibault Cauvin, violinist Manon Galy or pianist Nicolas Horvath. The 1001 Notes Educational Symphony Orchestra accompanies several creations, both at the opening and closing.
In addition to the evenings at the Patinoire, the festival offers heritage events such as the Garden Party at the Chapelle Saint-Martin (on July 14) and concerts at the Four des Casseaux. Tickets available online and at the Limoges Tourist Office.
Programme 1001 Notes 2026
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — preview
- Garden Party — Nicolas Horvath (piano) · Chapelle Saint-Martin
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · Patinoire Olympique
- Symphonic Rap — Lucariello and Petra Magoni
Thursday, July 16, 2026 · Patinoire Olympique
- From Bach to Hip-Hop — Skye Edwards (Morcheeba), Beatrice Berrut (piano) and Nadir Graa
- Origines Symphonic — Sébastien Farge, Amaury Faye and the Orchestre Symphonique de l'Opéra de Limoges
Friday, July 17, 2026 · Patinoire Olympique
- In the Kingdom of Dreams — Tarja Turunen and Nicolas Horvath
- Natalie Dessay sings Broadway
Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Patinoire Olympique
- Cosmic Vivaldi — Manon Galy and the Orchestre de Chambre de Toulouse
- Stabat Mater — Philippe Jaroussky
Sunday, July 19, 2026 · Patinoire Olympique
- Couperin — Natacha Kudritskaya (piano)
- Alter Ego — Thibault Cauvin (guitar)
- A Bolero in Bamako — Mariam (Amadou & Mariam) with symphony orchestra
Program communicated by the organizer; detailed schedules available on the official ticketing website.
Highlights 1001 Notes 2026
- 21st edition dedicated to the voice: creations blending classical, rap, hip-hop, jazz and metal
- Headliners: Natalie Dessay, Philippe Jaroussky, Tarja Turunen, Skye Edwards, Thibault Cauvin, Mariam
- 1001 Notes creations with the Educational Symphony Orchestra for opening and closing
- Concerts at the Patinoire Olympique de Limoges + events at Four des Casseaux and Garden Party at Chapelle Saint-Martin
Prices 1001 Notes 2026
Practical information — 1001 Notes
Practical Information
Dates and times
The festival takes place over several days in July (generally mid-July, 4 to 5 days).
Concerts take place in the evening from 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Main venue
Patinoire Olympique de Limoges (Haute-Vienne)
Some concerts may take place in Corrèze (sites to be confirmed according to the program).
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on the official festival website.
Prices vary depending on the concerts and packages:
- Festival pass (access to all concerts)
- Individual concert tickets
- Reduced rates (students, job seekers, youth)
Program
About ten musical explorations over several days:
- Classical and baroque music concerts
- Piano and vocal recitals
- Crossed concerts (classical + jazz, classical + electro, etc.)
- Contemporary music performances
- World music
Contact
Association 1001 Notes
Website: festival1001notes.com
For programming and ticketing
Tips
- Consult the detailed program on the official website
- Book your tickets in advance (some concerts sell out)
- Take advantage of the pass packages to discover several concerts
- Arrive early for popular concerts
- Discover lesser-known artists: great surprises guaranteed
Accommodation
For concerts in Limoges: numerous hotels and B&Bs near the Patinoire Olympique.
For concerts in Corrèze: consult local tourist offices.
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Where does it take place — 1001 Notes
Patinoire Olympique de Limoges
Boulevard des Petits Carmes, 87000 Limoges, 19000 Limoges / Corrèze