Fête de la Musique in Pontoise

The Fête de la Musique in Pontoise: harmony between heritage and live music

Every June 21st, Pontoise, prefecture of the Val-d'Oise and city of art and history, adorns itself with music to celebrate the Fête de la Musique. The medieval old town offers an exceptional architectural setting for open-air concerts: the cobbled alleys, historic squares, and hanging gardens become natural stages where artists perform before an enchanted audience.

Heritage in service of music

The Saint-Maclou Cathedral, a Gothic monument dominating the city since the 12th century, resonates each Fête de la Musique with sacred, classical, or contemporary music concerts. The Pontoise museum, housed in a former convent, and the hanging gardens offering a panoramic view of the Oise plain and Cergy are other emblematic places that host musical performances during this festive evening.

Pontoise, city of Pissarro

Immortalized by the many canvases of Camille Pissarro, who lived and worked there for many years, Pontoise has a remarkable artistic and cultural tradition. The Tavet-Delacour museum holds an impressive collection related to local history and the Impressionist movement. This deep artistic sensibility is reflected in the organization of the Fête de la Musique, which always seeks to combine artistic quality and popular accessibility.

A program for all audiences

The Fête de la Musique in Pontoise offers a varied program:

• Classical and sacred music in heritage sites
• Jazz and blues in cafes and on terraces
• World music reflecting the diversity of the Pontoise population
• Rock, pop, and contemporary music on outdoor stages
• Concerts by students from the conservatory in public spaces

The Cergy-Pontoise Conservatory

The Cergy-Pontoise departmental conservatory, whose Pontoise branch hosts many students, actively participates in the Fête de la Musique. Students of all ages and disciplines perform in public, transforming every corner of the old town into an improvised concert hall. This spotlight on local talent is at the heart of the Fête de la Musique's philosophy.

A friendly and free event

The Fête de la Musique in Pontoise is above all a moment of conviviality and sharing. All concerts are free and accessible without reservation, in the spirit of the great national festival launched in 1982. Residents of Pontoise and the entire Cergy-Pontoise agglomeration come together for a unique evening where music unites generations and cultures.