Les Concerts du Cloître d'Elne

Les Concerts du Cloître d'Elne: Music at the Heart of History

The cloister of Elne, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque art, hosts a musical program each summer that takes advantage of the exceptional acoustics and mineral beauty of its galleries of blue-veined grey marble. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cloister adjoins the Sainte-Eulalie-et-Sainte-Julie cathedral, visible from the sea and inland, a testament to the past splendor of Elne, the former capital of Roussillon.

Nuits d'Elne

The highlight of the season, the Nuits d'Elne offers musical and narrated tours of the cloister and the cathedral. The storyteller Jordi Mach and the musician David Codina Bosc, an organetto player (medieval portable organ), invite the public on a journey through time. In the hushed atmosphere of twilight, the sounds of the organetto awaken forgotten stories nestled in the heart of the sculpted capitals, while historical figures and fantastic creatures seem to emerge between the colonnades in the lamplight.

Musical Program

In addition to the Nuits d'Elne, the summer season offers:

• Classical and sacred music concerts in the cathedral
• Acoustic jazz concerts on Sundays in July and August
• Harp recitals with pieces of world music, flamenco, and blues
• Pentecost concerts with vocal ensembles specializing in sacred music

An Exceptional Heritage

The cloister of Elne is open from May to September, every day from 9:30 AM to 7 PM. Its sculpted capitals, depicting biblical scenes and fantastic creatures, are among the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture in Roussillon.