Festival Pablo Casals
Chamber music festival in the setting of the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa
About Festival Pablo Casals
Festival Pablo Casals: An Exceptional Musical Heritage
The Festival Pablo Casals in Prades was born in 1950 from the will of the legendary Catalan cellist Pablo Casals, who was then in exile in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Having taken refuge in Prades since 1939, Casals had sworn not to perform in public again as long as Western democracies tolerated the Franco regime. It was finally on the occasion of the bicentenary of Jean-Sébastien Bach's death that he agreed to organize a festival, the first concert of which took place on June 2, 1950.
The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa: An Exceptional Romanesque Setting
The festival mainly takes place in the magnificent Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque art founded in the 9th century, nestled at the foot of the Canigou massif. The exceptional acoustics of the abbey and its majestic setting offer musicians and the public a unique experience, blending thousand-year-old architectural heritage with musical excellence.
A Premier Chamber Music Program
Each edition offers around thirty concerts over two weeks, highlighting the chamber music repertoire from Bach to the present day. The greatest international performers gather in Prades for programs ranging from Baroque sonatas and concertos to contemporary creations, including the classical and romantic masterpieces of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms.
The Festival Orchestra
The festival has its own Festival Pablo Casals Orchestra, formed by chamber musicians invited each year, which performs symphonic concerts in the abbey. This orchestra perpetuates the tradition inaugurated by Casals himself.
A Spring Tour in the Pyrénées-Orientales
In addition to the summer festival, a Spring Tour brings chamber music to the most beautiful venues in the department: the Théâtre municipal de Perpignan, the Chapelle de l'Ermitage in Font-Romeu, the Centre culturel de Collioure, the Mémorial de Rivesaltes, and the Musée d'Art Moderne de Céret.
Training Tomorrow's Musicians
True to Pablo Casals' educational commitment, the festival hosts young musicians in training each summer who benefit from masterclasses with guest artists. About ten free student concerts allow the public to discover the talents of tomorrow in a privileged setting.
Festival Pablo Casals — edition 2026
For its 77th edition, from July 28 to August 8, 2026, the Pablo Casals Festival of Prades celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pablo Casals (1876-1973) with an edition themed "Ode to the Cello". Opening concert on July 28 with Jean-Guihen Queyras and the Festival Orchestra under the direction of Pierre Bleuse, closing concert on August 8 with Sol Gabetta, in the heart of the Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa.
77th Edition — July 28 to August 8, 2026: "Ode to the Cello"
In 2026, the Pablo Casals Festival celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of its founder, the legendary Catalan cellist Pablo Casals (born December 29, 1876). For this anniversary edition titled "Ode to the Cello", Casals' favorite instrument is honored throughout the two weeks of concerts given at the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa and in the Romanesque monuments of Conflent.
Great Names of Cello and Chamber Music
Among the invited artists are Jean-Guihen Queyras (opening concert on July 28, works by Ligeti, Schumann, and Beethoven), Sol Gabetta (closing concert on August 8), Jordi Savall and Le Concert des Nations, Kian Soltani with the Shiraz Ensemble, and Anastasia Kobekina performing the complete Bach Suites. A concert bringing together eight cellos is scheduled at the Abbey on August 2.
Young Talents, Family, and Children's Choir
True to Pablo Casals' pedagogical commitment, the edition offers "Young Talents & Friends" concerts in the morning, Children's Choir concerts, "Family Music" events, conferences, and the Festival Club in the evening.
Programme Festival Pablo Casals 2026
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Opening Concert
- Jean-Guihen Queyras (cello) and the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Bleuse — works by Ligeti, Schumann, and Beethoven · Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa
Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Concert "Ode to the Cello" featuring eight cellos · Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — Closing Concert
- Sol Gabetta (cello) · Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa
Other Artists of the 2026 Edition
- Jordi Savall and Le Concert des Nations
- Kian Soltani with the Shiraz Ensemble
- Anastasia Kobekina — complete Bach Suites
Full program, detailed dates and times on the official website: festivalpablocasals.fr/programmation. Evenings at the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa, "Young Talents" morning concerts, Children's Choir concerts, and "Family Music" events spread throughout the festival.
Highlights Festival Pablo Casals 2026
- 150th anniversary of the birth of Pablo Casals (1876-1973)
- "Ode to the Cello" edition: the founder's favorite instrument in the spotlight
- Opening concert on July 28 with Jean-Guihen Queyras
- Closing concert on August 8 with Sol Gabetta
- Jordi Savall, Kian Soltani, Anastasia Kobekina (complete Bach Suites)
- Exceptional concert for eight cellos on August 2
Prices Festival Pablo Casals 2026
Practical information — Festival Pablo Casals
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Prades is located 45 km west of Perpignan via the RN116. The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa is 3 km south of Prades, in the town of Codalet. Parking is available near the abbey.
By train: Prades-Molitg-les-Bains station is served by TER Occitanie from Perpignan (about 45 minutes). Shuttles may be organized between the station and the abbey during the festival.
Main Venue
- Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa: Route de Taurinya, 66500 Codalet — Main venue for festival concerts
Ticketing
Tickets are available online on the festival's official website and on the Mapado platform. For any information: [email protected] or 04 68 96 33 07. Student concerts are free and open to all. Reduced rates are offered for young people and students.
Accommodation
Prades and its surroundings offer a variety of accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, gîtes, and campsites. The Conflent Canigó Tourist Office can assist you with your search at 04 68 05 41 02.
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Where does it take place — Festival Pablo Casals
Abbaye de Saint-Michel de Cuxa
Abbaye de Saint-Michel de Cuxa, Route de Taurinya, 66500 Prades