Festival Musica

A Pillar of Musical Creation in Europe

Founded in 1983 on the initiative of the City of Strasbourg and the Ministry of Culture, Festival Musica has established itself over four decades as one of the major events for contemporary and experimental music in Europe. Every autumn, for nearly three weeks, the festival presents about fifty artistic projects in all formats: symphonic concerts, electroacoustic performances, sound installations, chamber operas, and transdisciplinary creations.

Strasbourg's Great Venues at the Service of Creation

Musica's strength lies in its integration within the exceptional network of Strasbourg's cultural venues. The festival takes over Le Maillon (Strasbourg theatre - European stage), the Opéra national du Rhin, the Cité de la musique et de la danse, the HEAR (Haute école des arts du Rhin), the POKOP, the Karmen Camina, and the église du Temple Neuf. This diversity of locations allows for varied formats and acoustics, from large orchestras to intimate solo performances.

A Program Between Heritage and Avant-Garde

Musica's program blends the historical figures of contemporary music with emerging voices. Over the decades, the festival has hosted composers such as Pierre Boulez, Steve Reich, Kaija Saariaho, and prestigious ensembles like the Kronos Quartet, the Ensemble intercontemporain, and the Percussions de Strasbourg. Each edition also features commissions and world premieres, making Strasbourg a living laboratory for musical invention.

Mini Musica: Creation for the Youngest

As a spring extension of the festival, Mini Musica offers music discovery shows and workshops for young audiences in March. Participatory sound installations, musical walks, concert-performances: this inventive offshoot proves that contemporary music can enchant all audiences, from the youngest age.

Strasbourg, Land of Music

Festival Musica benefits from fertile ground: Strasbourg is a crossroads city where French and Germanic musical traditions meet, equipped with a European-level conservatory and the Opéra national du Rhin. The festival contributes to making the Alsatian capital a place of excellence for musical creation, attracting professionals and curious music lovers from around the world.