Guitares au Palais

Guitares au Palais: Guitar in a Medieval Palace

Since 2004, Guitares au Palais has transformed the Palace of the Kings of Majorca into a temple of the guitar. This free festival, created by Catalan guitarist Pedro Soler, offers a weekend of concerts in one of Perpignan's most beautiful historic monuments.

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca: A Royal Setting

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, built in the 13th century, overlooks the city of Perpignan from its hill. Once the residence of the kings of the Kingdom of Majorca, this listed monument offers an exceptional architectural setting for concerts: the main courtyard, the Mediterranean gardens, and the Gothic halls create unique sound atmospheres for each performance.

Guitar in All Its Forms

The festival explores guitar in all its diversity:

• Classical guitar and early music
• Flamenco and gypsy music
• Jazz and improvised music
• Acoustic pop and song
• World music and Mediterranean traditions

This openness to all repertoires was the signature of Pedro Soler, who conceived the festival as a meeting place for cultures and guitar styles.

Pedro Soler: The Soul of the Festival

Pedro Soler (1938-2024), an internationally renowned Catalan guitarist, was the founder and artistic director of the festival. Born in Perpignan, this master of flamenco guitar and Catalan music dedicated his life to transmitting and sharing his art. His son Gaspar Claus, a renowned cellist, often accompanied his father on the festival's stages. Pedro Soler passed away on August 3, 2024, in Molitg-les-Bains, leaving an invaluable musical legacy.

A Free and Friendly Festival

Guitares au Palais is an entirely free festival, true to its founder's wish to make music accessible to all. The intimate atmosphere of the palace, the quality of the invited artists, and the free concerts make it a highly appreciated event for locals and visitors alike.