Le Son des Cuivres

Le Son des Cuivres: When Mamers Resonates with a Thousand Fanfares

Every first weekend of July, the small town of Mamers, north of Sarthe, transforms into the French capital of brass. The festival Le Son des Cuivres, created in 2013 by international trumpeter Clément Saunier, has become over a decade the reference event for brass music lovers in the Pays de la Loire.

Clément Saunier: An Exceptional Artist Serving His Region

A soloist with the Ensemble intercontemporain and a pedagogue at the CNSMD of Lyon, Clément Saunier chose his hometown to establish a festival in his image: demanding and popular. His vision is based on a bridge between musical excellence and accessibility, between classical repertoire and festive creations. A bold gamble that today defines the unique identity of Le Son des Cuivres.

Two Days, Two Atmospheres

The festival is structured around two complementary days. Saturday, entirely free, is dedicated to popular celebration: street fanfares, funk-jazz brass bands, afrobeat ensembles, and New Orleans groups take over the Espace Saugonna from 3 PM to 2 AM in an electric and danceable atmosphere. Sunday, more institutional, hosts prestigious ensembles — the Orchestre d'Harmonie de la Garde Républicaine, the Brass Band de Haute Bretagne — and international soloists for high-level concerts in a more classical setting.

A Festival Rooted in Its Territory

Beyond music, Le Son des Cuivres contributes to the cultural influence of Mamers and the Saosnois region. The festival works in partnership with the Office de Tourisme Maine Saosnois and local stakeholders to welcome an ever-larger audience. The on-site bar and catering contribute to creating a festival village atmosphere where the public mingles with the musicians in the purest tradition of brass festivals.