Festival Chœurs d'Hommes
Festival of men's choirs at the Cloître des Jacobins and the Abbatiale of Saint-Sever
About Chœurs d'Hommes
The Festival Chœurs d'Hommes is a choral music festival organized every summer in Saint-Sever, celebrating male voices in the exceptional setting of the Cloître des Jacobins and the Abbatiale. For four evenings, the best men's choirs from Gascony and the Southwest perform in these heritage sites whose acoustics magnify the voices. The Orphéon du Cap de Gascogne, the Cercle Choral Dacquois, the Cantaires, and other ensembles perpetuate the tradition of Gascon polyphonic singing in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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Festival Chœurs d'Hommes: Gascon vocal tradition in Saint-Sever
The Festival Chœurs d'Hommes is a unique musical event held every summer in Saint-Sever, in the Landes region. This festival celebrates the tradition of male choral singing, deeply rooted in Gascon culture, by offering four evenings of concerts in two of the city's most remarkable heritage sites.
Exceptional venues for exceptional voices
The concerts take place in two exceptional heritage settings: the Cloître des Jacobins, a former 13th-century convent classified as a historic monument, and the Abbatiale de Saint-Sever, a masterpiece of Romanesque art inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes. The exceptional acoustics of these venues enhance the male voices and offer spectators an intense and moving musical experience.
Excellent men's choirs
The festival brings together the best men's choirs from Gascony and the Southwest. The Orphéon du Cap de Gascogne, an emblematic group from Saint-Sever, is at the heart of the programming. The Cercle Choral Dacquois, the Cantaires (specialists in Gascon singing), Enta Canta (choir from Castets), and other vocal ensembles perform, offering a rich and varied panorama of male polyphonic singing.
A repertoire between tradition and modernity
The repertoire performed covers a wide musical spectrum, from traditional Gascon songs to contemporary arrangements, including sacred music, Basque songs, and polyphonies from other regions. Some evenings are enhanced by the presence of instrumental ensembles, such as the Musique de Fargues-Montgaillard, creating original dialogues between voices and instruments.
A moment of sharing and conviviality
The Festival Chœurs d'Hommes is distinguished by its warm and family-friendly atmosphere. The concerts, accessible to a wide audience, are a moment of sharing between the choristers and the spectators, in the spirit of conviviality characteristic of Gascon culture. The event contributes to the transmission of the vocal heritage of the Southwest to new generations.
Practical information — Chœurs d'Hommes
Concert Venues
The concerts take place in two of Saint-Sever's most remarkable heritage sites:
- Cloître des Jacobins: Opening concert on Friday evening. Former 13th-century convent classified as a historic monument, offering intimate and enchanting acoustics under the medieval arcades.
- Abbatiale de Saint-Sever: Concerts on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. A masterpiece of Romanesque art inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes, the abbey offers exceptional resonance that magnifies the voices.
Access
By Car
Saint-Sever is accessible via the D933 from Mont-de-Marsan (15 min) and from Dax (40 min). From Bordeaux, take the A65 towards Pau, exit at Aire-sur-l'Adour, then take the D933. Free parking in the town center, very close to the Cloître des Jacobins and the Abbatiale.
By Train
The nearest station is Mont-de-Marsan, served by TER trains from Bordeaux and Dax. Local transport connects Mont-de-Marsan to Saint-Sever (15 min).
Concert Times
- Friday: 8:30 PM at the Cloître des Jacobins
- Saturday: 8:30 PM at the Abbatiale
- Sunday: 3:30 PM at the Abbatiale (afternoon concert)
- Monday: 8:30 PM at the Abbatiale
It is recommended to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the start of each concert to settle in comfortably. Seats are not numbered.
Prices
Prices are communicated for each edition on the Landes Chalosse Tourist Office website and on the festival's communication materials. Reduced rates for children and students.
Accessibility
The Abbatiale de Saint-Sever is accessible to people with reduced mobility via the main entrance. The Cloître des Jacobins is partially accessible. For any specific questions, please contact the Tourist Office before your visit.
Practical Advice
As concerts are held in religious buildings, respectful attire is appreciated. The temperature can be cool in the evening in the Abbatiale, so bring warm clothing. Flash photography is prohibited during concerts.
Contact
Office de Tourisme Landes Chalosse
Phone: 05 58 76 34 64
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Chœurs d'Hommes at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Chœurs d'Hommes
Cloître des Jacobins et Abbatiale de Saint-Sever
Cloître des Jacobins, 40500 Saint-Sever