Festival Bleu Pupitre
Multidisciplinary music festival in Pontarlier
About Bleu Pupitre
Bleu Pupitre: The Richness of Musical Horizons in Pontarlier
The Festival Bleu Pupitre was born in 2023 from the initiative of the Ensemble Ariolica, a Pontissalian musical association founded over 45 years ago. Driven by passionate professional musicians, the festival aims to showcase music in all its forms in the heart of the Haut-Doubs.
An Eclectic and Bold Program
The strength of Bleu Pupitre lies in its ability to cross genres and artistic disciplines. Each edition offers a musical journey through various universes:
- Classical music and chamber music, the historical foundation of Ensemble Ariolica
- Jazz and improvisations
- Independent rock and contemporary music
- Hip-hop and urban dance
- Contemporary dance
- Cine-concerts and multimedia performances
- Music on bicycles, an original and quirky concept
Three Days of Festival for Everyone
For three days in May, Pontarlier vibrates to the rhythm of Bleu Pupitre. The festival features about fifteen concerts spread across different emblematic venues in the city, with a majority offering free access. This commitment to openness and free access reflects the organizers' dedication to cultural democratization.
Strong Local Roots
Supported by the Communauté de communes du Grand Pontarlier and the City of Pontarlier, the festival relies on a network of local partners and committed volunteers. Tickets for paid concerts are available at the Pontarlier Tourist Office. Bleu Pupitre contributes to the cultural dynamism of the Haut-Doubs and attracts an ever-growing audience, eager to discover new musical horizons.
Ensemble Ariolica, the Driving Force Behind the Festival
The Ariolica association, named after the ancient name for Pontarlier, brings together passionate professional and amateur musicians. After more than four decades of activity in classical music, the ensemble has broadened its artistic horizons by creating Bleu Pupitre, a festival that reflects the musical diversity of its members and their desire to share with the public.
Bleu Pupitre — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Bleu Pupitre Festival takes place from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Pontarlier, on the theme "From Earth to Space". The Ariolica Ensemble celebrates its 50th anniversary with an anniversary concert and offers three days of multidisciplinary music between the Bernard Blier Theater, Rene Pourny Space, Lavoir Theater, and Pasteur Hall. The program is preceded by a special conference-concert on April 24, 2026, with Jean-Louis Chretien, the first French astronaut, at Saint-Pierre Church.
4th Edition - May 8 to 10, 2026, theme "From Earth to Space"
The Bleu Pupitre Festival returns for its 4th edition from May 8 to 10, 2026 in Pontarlier, under the theme "From Earth to Space". The Ariolica Ensemble, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, continues its ambition to offer a multidisciplinary festival accessible to all, combining classical music, jazz, chamber music, dances, cine-concerts, and original performances.
An exceptional prelude with an astronaut
A special conference-concert titled "Dreams of Stars" opens the festival on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:30 PM at Saint-Pierre Church in Pontarlier. Jean-Louis Chretien, the first French astronaut, shares his two passions - space and the organ - alongside organist Alain Agazzi.
Three days of festival in Pontarlier
From May 8 to 10, several emblematic venues in Pontarlier host the program: the Bernard Blier Theater, the Rene Pourny Space, the Lavoir Theater, and the Pasteur Hall. On the program: piano-flute duo, tribute to Serge Reggiani, grand immersive symphonic concert for Ariolica's 50th anniversary, violin-guitar duo with a work on quantum physics, musical entertainment at the market, and the closing concert "Les Audacieuses".
The Ariolica Ensemble, historical organizer
The Ariolica association, named after the ancient name of Pontarlier, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Bringing together professional musicians and passionate amateurs, it created Bleu Pupitre to share its artistic diversity with the public of Haut-Doubs. Tickets for paid concerts are available at the Pontarlier Tourist Office.
Programme Bleu Pupitre 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026 — Prelude (Saint-Pierre Church)
- 8:30 PM — Conference-concert "Dreams of Stars" with Jean-Louis Chretien, first French astronaut, and Alain Agazzi on the organ · Two shared passions: space and the organ · Saint-Pierre Church
Friday, May 8, 2026 — Opening (Bernard Blier Theater)
- 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM — "One Evening, Two Concerts" at the Bernard Blier Theater
- 1st part: piano-flute duo with Stephane Ganard (piano) and Patricia Ganard-Vandel (flute), "Ballade sous la lune"
- 2nd part: tribute to Serge Reggiani by Pascal Carre, his most beautiful songs
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Ariolica 50th Anniversary Day
- Pasteur Hall — Musical entertainment at the market (free access)
- Lavoir Theater — Duo Samuel Bez (violin) and Raphael Bereau (guitar) · Original program including a work on quantum physics
- 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM · Rene Pourny Space — Grand Ariolica 50th Anniversary Symphonic Concert · "Music of Earth and Space": immersive sound and giant projection of aerial views on a giant screen
Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Closing (Bernard Blier Theater)
- 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM — "Voyage et Amalgam" at the Bernard Blier Theater: two concerts of 45 minutes each
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM — Closing concert "Les Audacieuses"
Program communicated by the Ariolica Ensemble and the Grand Pontarlier Community of Communes. Prices and tickets available at the Pontarlier Tourist Office (03 81 46 48 33) and online via ariolica.com.
Highlights Bleu Pupitre 2026
- Anniversary concert for the 50th anniversary of the Ariolica Ensemble
- Exceptional conference-concert with Jean-Louis Chretien, the first French astronaut
- Unifying theme "From Earth to Space" throughout the festival
- Immersive symphonic concert with giant projections at the Rene Pourny Space
- Tribute to Serge Reggiani by Pascal Carre
- Multidisciplinary program in several emblematic venues in Pontarlier
Prices Bleu Pupitre 2026
Practical information — Bleu Pupitre
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place in several venues in Pontarlier (25300), in the heart of the Haut-Doubs.
Ticketing
The majority of concerts are free. Tickets for paid concerts are on sale at the Pontarlier Tourist Office.
Access
By car: Pontarlier is accessible via the RN57 from Besançon (approx. 1h) or from Switzerland via the Col de Jougne.
By train: Pontarlier SNCF station, served from Besançon, Frasne, and Vallorbe (Switzerland).
Contact
Ensemble Ariolica
Pontarlier
Website: www.ariolica.com
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Where does it take place — Bleu Pupitre
Divers lieux à Pontarlier
2 rue du Bastion, 25300 Pontarlier