Festival 1001 Notes

The Festival 1001 Notes: Musical Audacity in Limousin

Born in 2005 from the passion of Albin de La Tour and the association Opus 87, the Festival 1001 Notes is one of the most unique events in the French music scene. Originally, the festival was called Les Estivales du Chalard and offered four concerts in the medieval abbey of Chalard, in Haute-Vienne. In 2009, the merger with the summer festival of Saint-Robert in Corrèze gave birth to 1001 Notes, a name symbolizing the infinite possibilities of music.

A Unique Concept: Breaking Down Genres

The philosophy of the Festival 1001 Notes is based on a founding principle: classical music is not a fixed genre, but a living art that dialogues with all aesthetics. Each edition builds bridges between classical music, baroque music, electro, rap, jazz, trip-hop, metal, and world music. This bold approach attracts a large and curious audience, far beyond the usual circles of classical music.

The Olympic Ice Rink: An Ephemeral Setting

For several years, the festival has been held at the Limoges Municipal Olympic Ice Rink, transformed each July into an exceptional ephemeral concert hall. This atypical venue offers remarkable acoustics and a capacity of nearly 1,000 seats, creating a unique proximity between artists and the audience. The festival village, with free access, offers free aperitif concerts, activities for families, and exhibitions.

Exceptional Artists

Throughout its editions, the Festival 1001 Notes has hosted internationally renowned artists: pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, violinist Nemanja Radulović, pianist Alexandre Tharaud, soprano Barbara Hendricks, electro artist Thylacine, and countertenor Philippe Jaroussky. The 1001 Notes Symphony Orchestra, created in 2023 and conducted by Chloé Meyzie, embodies the new generation of musicians from Limousin.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Beyond the summer festival, the Opus 87 association animates a musical season throughout the year in Limoges, particularly at the Basilica of Saint-Michel-des-Lions, and in Paris at the Salle Gaveau. The festival irrigates the Limousin region by investing remarkable heritage sites and offering orchestra workshops open to all, confirming its role as a cultural catalyst in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.