Les Étoiles du Classique

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.