Festival Cordes sur Ciel
The classical music event in the medieval city of Cordes since 1972
About Music on the Sky
Founded in 1972 by Lucienne Touren and the ACADOC association, the Festival Cordes sur Ciel (formerly Musique sur Ciel) is one of the oldest classical music festivals in the South of France. Born around the restoration of the historic Daublaine & Callinet organ in the Saint-Michel church, this festival offers a week of chamber, baroque, and contemporary music concerts every summer in the heritage sites of Cordes-sur-Ciel. The greatest performers — Gustav Leonhardt, William Christie, Jordi Savall, Christophe Coin — have graced its stages, making this summer event a benchmark for discerning music lovers.
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Festival Cordes sur Ciel: More Than Half a Century of Classical Music in Cordes
Since 1972, the Festival Cordes sur Ciel — long known as Musique sur Ciel — has illuminated the medieval city of Cordes-sur-Ciel every summer with the grace of classical music. Created by Lucienne Touren, founder of ACADOC (Association Culturelle des Amis de l'Orgue de Cordes), this festival was born from an ambitious project: the restoration of the historic Daublaine & Callinet organ, originally intended for the choir of Notre-Dame de Paris in 1839, purchased in 1842 by Abbé Séré de Rivières for the Saint-Michel church of Cordes.
An Exceptional Musical History
The inauguration of the restored organ by the great Toulouse organist and composer Xavier Darasse in 1972 marked the beginning of a musical adventure that would continue to grow. During the 1970s-1990s, a baroque period illustrated by world-renowned musicians — Gustav Leonhardt (1981), Franz Brüggen (1981-83), William Christie (1983-84), Jordi Savall, and Christophe Coin — gave the festival an international aura.
In 1997, a new format emerged: the residency of great contemporary composers and young soloists for the creation and performance of their works, alongside classical pieces from the great repertoire. This unique approach, blending tradition and modernity, defines the festival's artistic identity.
An Exceptional Heritage Setting
The concerts take place in the architectural jewels of the medieval city: the Saint-Michel church and its historic organ, the 14th-century Halle, the inner courtyards of Gothic houses, and the hanging gardens. This intimacy between music and heritage gives the concerts a unique atmosphere, where each note resonates through centuries of history.
A Festival in Perpetual Renewal
Each edition explores a geographical or cultural theme: after "Cap au Nord!" in 2024 dedicated to Nordic music, the 2025 edition continued this tradition of openness. In 2026, Africa will be in the spotlight, with an unprecedented dialogue between classical music and African sounds. Renamed Festival de Cordes sur Ciel in 2020, the festival remains true to its primary mission: to offer demanding music in an exceptional setting.
Music on the Sky — edition 2026
The 55th edition of the Festival Cordes sur Ciel will take place from July 17 to 23, 2026, in the medieval city, with Africa as its theme and exploring the dialogue between classical music and African sounds, a week of exceptional concerts, residencies, and musical encounters.
55th Edition — Africa in the Spotlight
The Festival Cordes sur Ciel returns for its 55th edition from July 17 to 23, 2026, with a bold theme: Africa. This edition will explore the dialogue between Western classical music and African sounds, following the line of geographical themes that make the festival unique.
For a week, the Saint-Michel church, the medieval Halle, and the city's inner courtyards will host chamber concerts, organ recitals, contemporary creations, and musical encounters. Artistic residencies, a signature of the festival since 1997, will allow composers and young soloists to present new works inspired by this intercultural dialogue.
Prices Music on the Sky 2026
Practical information — Music on the Sky
Practical Information
Access
By car: Cordes-sur-Ciel is located 25 km northwest of Albi, accessible via the D600. Free parking is available at the foot of the city, with shuttle service or a walk up through the various medieval gates.
By train: Cordes-Vindrac station (TER Occitanie from Toulouse or Albi), then shuttle or taxi to the upper city.
Ticketing
Tickets are available on the official website festivalcordessurciel.com and at the festival reception. Weekly passes and single tickets are offered. Reduced rates for students and those under 18.
Accommodation
Cordes-sur-Ciel offers numerous accommodation options: B&Bs within the medieval city, hotels, gîtes, and campsites in the surrounding area. Booking is strongly recommended during the festival period.
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Where does it take place — Music on the Sky
Église Saint-Michel et lieux patrimoniaux de la cité médiévale
Cité médiévale, 81170 Cordes-sur-Ciel