International Festival of Lyric Art of Aix-en-Provence

One of the World's Greatest Opera Festivals

The International Festival of Lyric Art of Aix-en-Provence, commonly known as the Festival d'Aix, is one of the most prestigious lyrical events on the planet. Founded in 1948 by Gabriel Dussurget, it takes place every year in July and offers three weeks of opera productions, symphonic concerts, recitals, and contemporary creations in the most beautiful venues in Aix-en-Provence. Its enchanting setting — the open-air Théâtre de l'Archevêché, the Grand Théâtre de Provence, the Hôtel Maynier d'Oppède — lends a unique magic to the performances.

Artistic Excellence and Stage Innovation

The Festival d'Aix is distinguished by its artistic rigor and its ability to combine lyrical tradition with stage innovation. Each edition features between five and seven new opera productions, entrusted to the greatest conductors and directors of the moment, as well as operas in concert version, recitals, and chamber concerts. The festival has been the venue for historic premieres and memorable revivals, from Mozart to Britten, from Rameau to contemporary composers. The Guest Orchestras — Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon, London Symphony Orchestra, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks — testify to the international reach of the event.

Exceptional Venues in the Heart of Aix-en-Provence

The Théâtre de l'Archevêché, an open-air courtyard of the former archbishop's palace, has been the festival's iconic venue since its origins. Its open-air stage, dominated by the silhouette of the Saint-Sauveur cathedral, offers an incomparable setting for summer performances. The Grand Théâtre de Provence, a modern 1,300-seat hall designed by architect Vittorio Gregotti, hosts productions requiring exceptional acoustics. Other heritage sites — the Hôtel Maynier d'Oppède, the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud, squares, and courtyards of the old town — complete the festival's geography, creating an artistic journey through the heart of the spa town.

A Festival Committed to Transmission and Creation

Beyond its lyrical programming, the Festival d'Aix pursues an active transmission policy through its European Music Academy, which trains young lyrical artists, conductors, and directors each summer. The festival also develops outreach and accessibility programs to broaden opera audiences. Its co-production policy with major international opera houses — Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera, Opéra de Paris — guarantees the global reach of its productions and ensures the sustainability of its artistic model.