Festival de Musique de Pontlevoy

Festival de Musique de Pontlevoy: Forty Years of Classical Music in the Cher Valley

Since 1985, the Festival de Musique de Pontlevoy has set the village vibrating to the rhythm of classical music. Under the artistic direction of pianist François Chaplin, this event has established itself as one of the most renowned music festivals in Loir-et-Cher, attracting music lovers from all over France every summer to the remarkable setting of the Abbey of Pontlevoy.

The Abbey's Riding School: A Unique Acoustic Gem

The concerts take place in the Abbey's riding school, a space with exceptional natural acoustics that offers an incomparable listening experience. This former 11th-century Benedictine abbey, with its centuries-old stones and majestic vaults, provides a setting of great heritage beauty for chamber music and recitals.

A Rich and Varied Program

Each edition offers around ten concerts spread over several days in July, including at least one free concert. The program alternates between piano recitals, chamber music (duos, trios, quartets), symphonic concerts with the Orchestre symphonique de la Région Centre-Val de Loire Tours, and more unusual formats such as improvisation shows with pianist Jean-François Zygel.

Master Class and Transmission

The piano master class, a key educational event of the festival, brings together talented young pianists each year with François Chaplin and other guest masters. The sessions are open to the public, offering privileged access to the working and interpretation process. Public rehearsals complement this dimension of transmission and sharing.

Strong Territorial Roots

The festival is supported by a local association and the municipality of Pontlevoy. It actively contributes to the cultural influence of the Val de Cher Controis and the entire southern part of Loir-et-Cher. Some concerts also take place in partner venues, such as the village hall of Saint-Georges-sur-Cher.