Festival de Musique Sacrée de Crest

The Festival de Musique Sacrée de Crest: The Beauty of Baroque in a Historic Setting

For over thirty years, the Festival de Musique Sacrée de Crest has echoed the masterpieces of baroque and sacred music in the Saint-Sauveur Church, a jewel of Crest's heritage. Organized by the Association Paroissiale des Orgues de Saint-Sauveur (APOSS), this festival has become a must-attend event for music lovers and enthusiasts of early music in the Drôme valley.

A Journey into Baroque Europe

Subtitled "Journey into Baroque Europe", the festival invites listeners each summer to explore the great European musical traditions through the centuries. The programs explore the treasures of sacred music, from the Renaissance to the late Baroque:

• Claudio Monteverdi and the splendor of Venetian music
• Johann Sebastian Bach and the depth of German Lutheran music
• Henry Purcell and the elegance of English music
• François Couperin and the refinement of French music
• The great works of Vivaldi, Handel, Rameau, and many composers from the European Renaissance and Baroque periods

The Saint-Sauveur Church: An Exceptional Acoustic Setting

The Saint-Sauveur Church in Crest offers a remarkable architectural and acoustic setting for sacred music. Its historic organ, the maintenance and promotion of which are at the heart of APOSS's mission, is regularly featured in the festival's concerts. The stone vaults and the soaring nave of the building create a natural acoustics that enhance the performances of the invited artists.

A Quality Program

Each summer, the festival presents a series of eight concerts spread from mid-June to mid-August. The performers are early music ensembles, organists, opera singers, and instrumentalists recognized for their expertise in the baroque and sacred repertoire. The programming alternates organ recitals, chamber music, choirs, and vocal and instrumental ensembles.

Affordable Prices

The festival practices an accessible pricing policy:

• Full price: €18
• Reduced price: €12 (students, job seekers)
• Free for children under 12 years old
• With membership card: €12 (full price) / €8 (reduced price)

A Festival Rooted in Crest's Heritage

The Festival de Musique Sacrée is part of the rich heritage of Crest, a town dominated by the tallest keep in France. The town, with its medieval streets, shaded squares, and historic monuments, offers an enchanting setting for music lovers who can combine musical pleasure with heritage discovery during their visit.