Les Étoiles du Classique
The festival that showcases young classical music talents in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
About Étoiles du Classique
Founded in 2022 by violinist Thomas Lefort, Les Étoiles du Classique is a classical music festival dedicated to discovering exceptional young artists. Every June, over 200 musicians from the finest conservatories perform at the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas and the church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, offering the public a dazzling panorama of classical renewal. Sponsored by legends such as Martha Argerich, Itzhak Perlman, and Jean-Claude Casadesus, the festival perpetuates the spirit of transmission dear to Ivry Gitlis and attracts over 4,000 spectators each year in a royal setting steeped in history.
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Les Étoiles du Classique: The Launchpad for Young Virtuosos
Les Étoiles du Classique is a classical music festival created in 2022 by violinist Thomas Lefort, with the ambition of making Saint-Germain-en-Laye a major hub for musical discovery. Designed as a true launchpad for artists at the beginning of their careers, the festival brings together over 200 young musicians each June from the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (CNSMDP) and the most prestigious European musical institutions.
A Legacy of Excellence and Transmission
The festival follows the spiritual lineage of the great violinist Ivry Gitlis, a guiding figure in musical transmission. Each edition is sponsored by a world-renowned artist: Martha Argerich for the inaugural edition in 2022, Jean-Claude Casadesus in 2023, Laurent Music and Patricia Petibon in 2025, and again Jean-Claude Casadesus for the 5th edition in 2026. The festival's president is Patrick Petit, who has supported this venture since its inception.
Iconic Venues in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Concerts take place in several prestigious venues in the royal city: the Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas, a historic performance hall in the heart of the city, and the Église de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, whose exceptional acoustics enhance the performances of young soloists and ensembles. Some concerts are also held outdoors, in the city's gardens and squares.
A Rich and Accessible Program
In just a few editions, the festival has established itself as a must-attend event in the Île-de-France classical scene. The program covers a wide spectrum: symphonic music, chamber music, piano and violin recitals, opera, baroque music, concerts for young audiences, and jazz. Each edition features about ten concerts over four to six days, attracting a diverse audience of connoisseurs and newcomers, families and music lovers, in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Growing Influence
Supported by the City of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Indosuez Foundation, the Île-de-France Region, and numerous private patrons, the festival has welcomed over 4,000 spectators in its recent editions. It benefits from increasing media coverage, with partnerships with France 3 Île-de-France and France Musique, consolidating its position among the most promising classical festivals in the Paris region.
Étoiles du Classique — edition 2026
The 5th edition of Les Étoiles du Classique will be held in June 2026 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, under the patronage of conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus. Over 200 young talents will perform in several venues of the royal city for concerts of chamber music, symphonic music, opera, dance, jazz, and outdoor performances.
5th Edition — June 2026
The festival Les Étoiles du Classique returns in June 2026 for its 5th edition, under the patronage of conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus. Over 200 talented young artists will perform in several venues of Saint-Germain-en-Laye over four days, offering a variety of concerts: chamber music, outdoor symphonic concerts, opera, dance, jazz, and unusual formats.
The festival continues its mission as a launchpad for emerging artists, perpetuating the spirit of transmission and sharing dear to Ivry Gitlis. The detailed program will be unveiled in the spring of 2026.
Highlights Étoiles du Classique 2026
- Patronage by Jean-Claude Casadesus
- Over 200 young artists expected
- Various formats: chamber, symphonic, opera, dance, jazz
- Outdoor concerts in the historic venues of the city
Prices Étoiles du Classique 2026
Practical information — Étoiles du Classique
Practical Information
Access
By RER: Line A, Saint-Germain-en-Laye station (terminus). The Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas is a 5-minute walk from the station.
By Car: A13 motorway, Saint-Germain-en-Laye exit. Public parking near the city center (Château, Marché Neuf).
By Bus: RATP lines and Île-de-France Mobilités bus network serving the station and the city center.
Concert Venues
- Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas: Place André Malraux, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Église de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Place Charles de Gaulle, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Ticketing
Online booking on the festival's official website and at the venue on the evening of the concerts. Some concerts are free, especially outdoor concerts and those for young audiences.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Étoiles du Classique at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Étoiles du Classique
Théâtre Alexandre-Dumas
Place André Malraux, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye