Saxophone en Mouvement Festival

Saxophone en Mouvement: When the Saxophone Vibrates Poitiers

Since its creation in 2001 by saxophonist Gilles Tressos, the Saxophone en Mouvement festival has established itself as a must-see event in the summer cultural life of Poitiers. Supported by the association Saxophone Événement and affiliated with the prestigious Académie Habanera, this festival combines high-level musical training with an artistic program open to all audiences.

An Original Concept: Music in Motion

The unique feature of Saxophone en Mouvement lies in its itinerant format. Concerts are not confined to a single venue: they take place in the museums, churches, public squares, and heritage sites of Poitiers and its surroundings. Spectators are invited to wander through the performances, discovering or rediscovering the architectural richness of the city of Poitiers to the rhythm of the saxophone. This spatialization of musicians creates a unique relationship between artists, the public, and heritage.

The Académie Habanera: A Crucible of Talents

At the heart of the festival, the Académie Habanera hosts around a hundred saxophonists from all over France and abroad each year. During an intensive week, these amateur and professional musicians benefit from masterclasses given by international soloists, ensemble classes, and chamber music workshops. The trainees then perform in cafés-concerts and public recitals, offering the audience a lively glimpse of the work accomplished.

A Rich and Accessible Program

The festival offers about ten concerts spread throughout the week, the vast majority of which are free. The program includes solo recitals, chamber music, large saxophone ensembles, and creations combining music, dance, theater, and video. The highlight of the week is the gala concert at the Palais de Poitiers, which brings together all the trainees and guest artists in a grand festive finale.

A Festival Rooted in the Territory of Grand Poitiers

Supported by the urban community of Grand Poitiers, the festival extends to neighboring towns such as Vouneuil-sous-Biard, Lusignan, and Fontaine-le-Comte. Guided tours of heritage sites are associated with the concerts, strengthening the link between music and the discovery of the territory. This local anchoring makes Saxophone en Mouvement a true tool for cultural and tourist valorization of the Vienne region.