Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise

The Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise: over forty years in service of music

Founded in 1981 by Pascal Escande, musicologist and pianist, at the initiative of Father Michel Demissy, a priest from Auvers-sur-Oise who wished to finance the purchase of an organ for his church, the Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise has grown to become one of the major musical events in Île-de-France. Since its modest beginnings, it has established itself as a must-attend event, bringing together tens of thousands of spectators each summer in the heritage sites of the Val-d'Oise.

The festival takes place every year from March to September, offering an ambitious program based on an original concept: Auvers Baroque, Auvers Classique, Auvers Romantique, Auvers Lyrique, and Auvers Contemporain. This thematic breakdown allows for the exploration of the entire spectrum of learned musical repertoire with a curiosity and freedom reminiscent of the Impressionist spirit of the painters who made the village of Auvers-sur-Oise famous — Van Gogh, Pissarro, Cézanne.

Exceptional venues for music

One of the festival's hallmarks is its deep connection to the architectural heritage of the Val-d'Oise. Concerts are held in major historical sites, including the Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Église Saint-Denis de Méry-sur-Oise, the Espace Charles Aznavour d'Arnouville, the Luciole de Méry-sur-Oise, and the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise. These historic spaces offer unique acoustics and atmosphere, intimately linked to the musical programming.

Internationally renowned artists

Over the decades, the festival has hosted the biggest names in the global music scene. Performers such as Khatia Buniatishvili, Gautier Capuçon, Sonya Yoncheva, William Christie, and many soloists from the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France have graced the stages of the Val-d'Oise in this exceptional setting. The festival has also supported numerous young talents in their artistic development through residencies since 1990.

Structure of the event

The festival is organized into several highlights: the Prélude à l'Opus (spring pre-program), the Festival Off (alternative and decentralized programming), the Festival In (main summer program), and the Postlude (closing concerts in September). This structure allows it to reach diverse audiences, from musical discovery to the most demanding artistic excellence.

A festival rooted in its territory

Supported by the association Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise, chaired by Didier Hamon, former chief of staff to Jack Lang, since 2011, the festival benefits from the support of the Île-de-France Region, the Val-d'Oise Department, and the host municipalities. It actively contributes to the cultural and tourist rayonnement of a region rich in Impressionist heritage, attracting music lovers from around the world each year, drawn as much by the music as by the traces left by the great painters of the 19th century.