Festival Aspects of Today's Music
The contemporary music festival of the Caen Conservatory and Orchestra
About Aspects
Created in 1982 by Jean-Pierre Dautel, founder of the Orchestre de Caen, the Festival Aspects of Today's Music is an annual contemporary music event held every March at the Caen Conservatory and Orchestra. For a week, the festival invites a composer in residence and offers concerts, masterclasses, meetings, and premieres centered around their repertoire. With over 40 editions, Aspects is one of the oldest contemporary music festivals in France.
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Book your train or bus to reach Aspects at the best price.
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More than forty years of contemporary music in Caen
The Aspects of Today's Music Festival was created in 1982 by Jean-Pierre Dautel, founder of the Orchestre de Caen. Every year in March, the Caen Conservatory transforms into a hub for contemporary music, hosting a composer in residence for a week of immersion in their musical world. With over 40 editions to its name, Aspects is one of the oldest and most prestigious contemporary music festivals in France.
An invited composer at the heart of the festival
The founding principle of Aspects is to invite a renowned composer in residence at the Conservatory each year. In a co-created program, featuring chamber music, symphonic ensembles, opera for young audiences, and masterclasses, artist-teachers, guest artists, and students delve into the composer's repertoire, in their presence.
Memorable Editions
In 2024, for the 42nd edition, British composer George Benjamin was in residence. In 2025, as part of the Caen Millennium, Franco-Lebanese composer Zad Moultaka was the guest of honor, presenting the world premiere of his Requiem for a Resurrection, commissioned by the festival for the opening concert "Baal".
The Jean-Pierre Dautel Auditorium
The festival's concerts are mainly held in the Conservatory's Jean-Pierre Dautel Auditorium, named in homage to the festival's founder. The Orchestre Régional de Normandie regularly participates in the festival's symphonic concerts, offering high-level interpretations of the contemporary works programmed.
Aspects — edition 2026
The 44th edition of the Festival Aspects is expected in March 2026 at the Caen Conservatory and Orchestra. The invited composer will be announced later.
Festival Aspects 2026 — 44th Edition
The 44th edition of the Festival Aspects is expected in March 2026 at the Caen Conservatory and Orchestra. The invited composer in residence and the program will be announced in the coming months.
Practical information — Aspects
Practical Information
Location
Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Caen, 1 rue du Carel, 14000 Caen, Calvados, Normandie.
Access
- By car: Parking available in Caen city center.
- By train: Caen SNCF station, a 10-minute walk from the Conservatory.
- By tram: Résistance or Saint-Pierre stop.
Prices
- Prices vary depending on the concert
- Some events are free (masterclasses, meetings)
Ticketing
Tickets available on conservatoire-orchestre.caen.fr.
Contact
- Website: conservatoire-orchestre.caen.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Aspects at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Aspects
Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Caen
1 rue du Carel, 14000 Caen