La Via Musica Festival

La Via Musica Festival: twenty years of music in Grand Besançon

The La Via Musica Festival was born in 2005 under the name Festival de Musique Ancienne de Montfaucon, founded by passionate music lovers who wanted to showcase early music in an exceptional heritage setting. Renamed La Via Musica on January 1, 2024, the festival has gradually expanded its program to include all musical eras, from Antiquity to contemporary creation, including world music.

An eclectic and demanding program

Each year, the festival offers about ten concerts and cultural activities spread across several municipalities in Grand Besançon Métropole:

• Montfaucon — historical birthplace of the festival
• Besançon — notably the Saint-Jean Cathedral
• Serre-les-Sapins, Pin, and Pirey

The artistic objective is to introduce lesser-known music and arts performed by high-level artists to the widest possible audience. The concerts take place in churches and heritage sites that offer remarkable acoustics.

Highlights

The festival is distinguished by its exceptional events, such as the concerts held at the Saint-Jean Cathedral in Besançon, which combine the grandeur of the venue with musical quality. The concerts by young virtuosos highlight the new generation of talented musicians.

20 years of musical adventure in 2025

In 2025, the La Via Musica Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary with a memorable edition. An exceptional concert of the Passion According to Saint John was performed on March 28, 2025, at the Besançon Cathedral, with broadcasts in Belfort (March 29) and Paris (March 30), marking the national scope of the festival.

A festival rooted in its territory

The La Via Musica Festival contributes to the cultural radiance of Grand Besançon by promoting the architectural and religious heritage of the metropolis. It is part of a movement to democratize classical music by offering affordable prices and using venues open to all.