Festival d'O
The chamber music festival of Obernai, directed by Geneviève Laurenceau
About Festival d'O
A festival born from a violinist's passion
The Festival d'O was born in 2010 from the initiative of concert violinist Geneviève Laurenceau, a native of Obernai. Driven by the desire to bring classical music to life in her childhood town, she launched this adventure with a group of passionate friends. “There was no festival in Obernai at the time,” she recalls. “I wanted to create an event in my image: classical music without borders, which can also accompany dance, tap dancing, literature, jazz, and world music.”
A week of concerts in exceptional venues
Every summer, for one week in July, the Festival d'O offers a dozen concerts in heritage sites in and around Obernai. The Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church, with its remarkable acoustics and luminous stained glass, hosts the main concerts. Other spaces — the Town Hall courtyard, chapels, historic halls — offer intimate and surprising settings that renew the classical concert experience.
A borderless program
What sets the Festival d'O apart is its bold and generous programming. Under the artistic direction of Geneviève Laurenceau, each edition is built around a unifying theme — “Odyssées” in 2025, “Amour ! Liebe ! Love !” or “Invitation to Travel” in previous editions. Around thirty artists, high-level classical musicians, perform in various formats: recitals, chamber music, commented concerts, shows combining music and dance, or readings.
A human-sized festival
The Festival d'O cultivates a spirit of proximity and conviviality. With deliberately limited capacity, each concert becomes a privileged moment of sharing between artists and the audience. The 4,000 loyal spectators who attend the festival each year appreciate this warm atmosphere, far from large, impersonal festivals. Encounters with artists after concerts are an integral part of the experience.
Festival d'O — edition 2026
The 16th edition of the Festival d'O (Obernai Music Festival) takes place from July 19 to 26, 2026 in Obernai, on the theme "The World of Today". Under the artistic direction of violinist Geneviève Laurenceau, a series of chamber music concerts will take over the heritage sites of the city and its surroundings, featuring internationally renowned performers.
16th edition — From July 19 to 26, 2026
The Festival d'O returns for its 16th edition from July 19 to 26, 2026 in Obernai, on the theme "The World of Today". Founded on the initiative of violinist Geneviève Laurenceau, who serves as its artistic director, the festival offers a series of chamber music concerts in the heritage sites of Obernai and its surroundings (Châteaux d'Ottrott, Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Church, Forum Hager, Würth Museum in Erstein, Château de Niedernai, Mont Sainte-Odile, Léonardsau Park).
The program brings together internationally renowned performers around a repertoire ranging from classical to baroque, including world music and traditional music.
Programme Festival d'O 2026
Sunday, July 19, 2026
- 5:00 PM — SR9, percussion trio · Châteaux d'Ottrott
Monday, July 20, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Thierry Escaich · Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Church
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Female quartet around Bach · Forum Hager
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- 8:00 PM — English Romantic Evening · Würth Museum, Erstein
Thursday, July 23, 2026
- Masterclass for violinists and pianists (by selection)
Friday, July 24, 2026
- 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM — Alsatian composers in exile · Château de Niedernai
Saturday, July 25, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Young audience show · Music School
- 6:00 PM — Cello and theorbo · Mont Sainte-Odile
Sunday, July 26, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Traditional Gaelic, Celtic and Scandinavian music · Léonardsau Park
Program communicated by the organizer; times and locations subject to change. Detailed program and ticketing on the official website.
Highlights Festival d'O 2026
- 17th edition of the Festival d'O
- July 19 to 26, 2026
- Artistic direction: Geneviève Laurenceau
- 12 concerts in heritage venues
Prices Festival d'O 2026
Practical information — Festival d'O
Dates
The Festival d'O takes place for one week in July (usually the 3rd or 4th week). A dozen concerts spread over 7 days.
Venues
Concerts are held in several locations in Obernai and its surroundings: Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church, the Town Hall courtyard, and other heritage sites. The precise locations are indicated for each concert in the program.
Access
By train
Obernai station, served by TER from Strasbourg (30 min). Concert venues are a 5-10 minute walk away.
By car
Obernai is accessible via the A35. Parking available in the town center.
Prices
Online ticketing on the festival website. Prices vary depending on the concert. Some events are free.
Practical advice
- Book your tickets in advance: capacities are limited and concerts often sell out.
- Consult the detailed program on the official website for the locations and times of each concert.
- Enjoy your visit to discover Obernai's heritage.
Accommodation
Hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses in Obernai and on the Wine Route. Book in advance during the festival period.
Contact
Official website: festivalmusiqueobernai.eu
Obernai Tourist Office: tourisme-obernai.fr
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Where does it take place — Festival d'O
Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul et lieux patrimoniaux d'Obernai
Place du Marché, 67210 Obernai