The rising stars of classical music in Chartres and Dreux
Created in 1999 by pianist François Cornu, the Festival Carré d'As Jeunes Talents showcases the rising stars of classical music. Every autumn, young virtuoso soloists, often winners of international competitions, perform in Chartres and Dreux. Organized by the Samedis Musicaux de Chartres, the festival reveals musicians of astonishing maturity who lead the audience through the most beautiful pieces in the repertoire.
Since 1999, the Festival Carré d'As Jeunes Talents has been one of the most precious events in the musical life of Eure-et-Loir. Created by pianist François Cornu, this unique festival is entirely dedicated to discovering and promoting young classical musicians at the threshold of their professional careers.
Every autumn, the festival invites young virtuoso soloists, often winners of prestigious international competitions, to perform in concert in Chartres and Dreux. Pianists, violinists, cellists, violists, and other instrumentalists display a maturity and musical expressiveness that command admiration. The festival allows the public to discover these talents before they become major figures on the international classical scene.
In over twenty-five years of existence, the Festival Carré d'As has hosted hundreds of young artists who have since built careers on the world's greatest stages. The festival celebrated its 25th edition in 2023, demonstrating the sustainability and relevance of its approach. Each edition includes several concerts spread between Chartres — notably at the Musée des Beaux-Arts — and the Théâtre de Dreux, thus providing a regional reach.
The festival is organized by the Association des Samedis Musicaux de Chartres, which offers a season of chamber classical music concerts throughout the year. François Cornu is the artistic director of the festival with a recognized flair for spotting the most promising talents. His international network allows him to invite musicians from the best conservatories who have won the most demanding competitions.
The concerts of Carré d'As are characterized by their intimate and warm atmosphere. The proximity between the artists and the audience creates a rare complicity, allowing classical music to be experienced intensely and shared. The programs are carefully composed to showcase the virtuosity and musicality of the performers, with works ranging from Baroque to contemporary, including the great classics of the repertoire.
The 28th edition of the Festival Carré d'As Jeunes Talents will be held in autumn 2026 between Chartres and Dreux. Young virtuoso soloists will be invited to perform at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres and the Théâtre de Dreux.
The Festival Carré d'As Jeunes Talents returns for its 28th edition in autumn 2026. True to its mission, the festival will present exceptional young soloists in intimate concerts at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres and the Théâtre de Dreux.
The detailed program will be announced at the beginning of the season on the Samedis Musicaux de Chartres website.
By car: Chartres is accessible via the A11 from Paris (approx. 1h15). Dreux is accessible via the N12 from Paris (approx. 1h15).
By train: Chartres station from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 1h). Dreux station from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 1h).
Paid concerts. Prices available on the Samedis Musicaux de Chartres website.
Association des Samedis Musicaux de Chartres — Website: samedismusicaux.fr
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Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres / Théâtre de Dreux
29 cloître Notre-Dame, 28000 Chartres