La Clé des Portes Festival

La Clé des Portes: An Exceptional Classical Music Festival in Val de Loire

Founded in 2013 by the piano duo Arthur Ancelle and Ludmila Berlinskaïa, a couple both in life and on stage, the La Clé des Portes festival quickly established itself as one of the major classical music events in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Located just 1.5 hours from Paris, between Orléans and Blois, the festival takes over the villages of Talcy and Mer every summer for a week of exceptional concerts.

Venues Steeped in History and Poetry

The festival takes its name from its desire to open all doors, including those of the imagination. Concerts take place in remarkable heritage sites: the Saint-Martin de Talcy church, a village famous for its Renaissance castle, and the Saint-Hilaire de Mer church. These buildings offer exceptional natural acoustics and an intimate atmosphere that brings artists and spectators closer together.

A Demanding Artistic Program

The artistic direction, managed by Arthur Ancelle and Ludmila Berlinskaïa, favors a high-caliber program bringing together musicians of international careers. Piano recitals, chamber music, duos, trios, quartets, and concerts with orchestra make up a varied program that explores the great classical and romantic repertoire while highlighting discoveries and rarities.

A Human-Scale Festival

With a deliberately limited capacity, La Clé des Portes cultivates a unique sense of closeness between artists and the public. Informal exchanges, concert introductions, and drinks afterwards are an integral part of the festival experience. This conviviality, combined with artistic excellence, makes the festival unique and charming.

Accessibility and Pricing

The festival offers a 5-concert pass from 110 to 125 euros, individual tickets from 20 to 25 euros, reduced rates for 10-25 year olds, job seekers, and people with disabilities, and free admission for children under 10. This pricing policy reflects a desire to open classical music to the widest possible audience.