Bel-Air Claviers Festival

Bel-Air Claviers Festival: The Infinite Universe of Keyboards

The Bel-Air Claviers Festival is a unique musical event, entirely dedicated to the diversity of keyboard instruments. Founded in 2012 by the association Les Rencontres Artistiques de Bel-Air, as an extension of fifteen years of chamber music led by violinist Renaud Capuçon, the festival has found its unique identity around an original concept: exploring all facets of keyboards, from the baroque harpsichord to the contemporary synthesizer.

Jean Rondeau, a Visionary Artistic Director

Since 2018, harpsichordist Jean Rondeau, one of the most brilliant musicians of his generation, has been the artistic director of the festival. He is accompanied in this mission by percussionist Adélaïde Ferrière and composer David Chalmin. Together, they imagine a program that breaks down genres and eras, creating a dialogue between baroque, classical, contemporary, and experimental music centered around keyboard instruments.

Keyboards in All Their Forms

The festival celebrates the keyboard family in all its diversity: grand piano, harpsichord, church organ, fortepiano, marimba, vibraphone, celesta, accordion, and electronic keyboards. This cross-disciplinary approach allows for diverse concerts, such as a baroque harpsichord recital in a church, a contemporary piano concert in a theater, or an electronic performance in an unusual venue.

Exceptional Venues

The Bel-Air Claviers Festival takes place in the most beautiful cultural venues in Chambéry and La Ravoire. The Cathédrale Saint-François-de-Sales in Chambéry, with its monumental organ and exceptional acoustics, hosts sacred and baroque music concerts. The Théâtre Charles Dullin, a 19th-century Italian-style theater, offers a prestigious setting for recitals. The Maison de Bel-Air, the association's headquarters, has an intimate concert hall with about a hundred seats, ideal for chamber music programs.

A Festival of Intimacy and Radiance

The Bel-Air Claviers Festival cultivates a spirit of proximity and conviviality that is its charm. Small ensemble concerts, artist meet-and-greets, and original formats—like the "sunrise meditation concerts"—create a unique atmosphere where music is experienced up close with the performers. This exclusive festival enjoys growing influence thanks to the reputation of its artistic directors and the uniqueness of its concept in the French music scene.