Festival Baroque de Pontoise

The Festival Baroque de Pontoise: forty years of passion for ancient music

Founded in the 1980s, the Festival Baroque de Pontoise is one of the oldest and most respected events for ancient music in Île-de-France. Structured in two acts covering the entire academic year, it transforms Pontoise — a city of art and history in Val-d'Oise — into the regional capital of baroque music, from autumn to early summer.

The festival is supported by the Association Orchestre National de Pontoise et du Val-d'Oise (AOND) and benefits from the support of the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Cergy-Pontoise, the city of Pontoise, and the Department of Val-d'Oise. Over the years, it has built a very high-quality program, inviting both major international ensembles and promising young ensembles.

The Cathédrale Saint-Maclou: an exceptional Gothic setting

The Cathédrale Saint-Maclou de Pontoise, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, is the heart of the festival. Its natural acoustics, soaring vaults, and 16th-century stained glass windows provide a sumptuous setting for baroque works. Other venues in the urban community also host concerts: the CRR de Cergy, the L'Antarès hall, and various churches in Val-d'Oise.

A season in two acts

Each year, the festival is structured into two acts: Act I runs from September to December and opens the season with major premieres; Act II takes over from January to June with an equally rich program. This complete musical season organization helps to build loyalty among discerning amateur audiences while attracting new spectators with each edition.

A 40th anniversary under the sign of philanthropists

The 2025-2026 season marks the 40th anniversary of the festival under the theme of “Philanthropists”. This anniversary edition pays tribute to the patrons and protectors who, throughout history, have supported musical creation — notably referencing Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689), whose 400th birthday is celebrated and who was one of the greatest patrons of the arts of her time.

Internationally renowned ensembles

Over its forty years, the Festival Baroque de Pontoise has hosted leading ensembles: Le Caravansérail (directed by Bertrand Cuiller), Les Cris de Paris, Faenza, as well as artists such as Lucile Richardot or Jeanne Desoubeaux. The programming happily blends great classics of the repertoire with rediscovered rarities, in a spirit of musical curiosity that characterizes the history of baroque music.