Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye

Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye: Music in Service of Heritage

Created in 2021 by the Association des Amis de l'Abbaye de Ligugé, the Les Heures Musicales de l'Abbaye festival is an annual event dedicated to classical music in the abbeys of Vienne. Each edition explores a specific musical theme, presented through symphonic concerts, chamber music recitals, vocal works, and sacred music programs, within four exceptional heritage sites.

Four Abbeys, A Traveling Festival

The festival unfolds in four historic abbeys south of Grand Poitiers: the Abbey of Saint-Martin de Ligugé, the oldest abbey in the West founded by Saint Martin in 361, the Abbey of Fontaine-le-Comte, a jewel of Angevin Gothic architecture, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît, founded in the 11th century by monks from Saint-Philibert-de-Tournus, and the Abbey of Nouaillé-Maupertuis, famous for the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. This traveling format offers festival-goers a unique experience combining architectural discovery and musical listening in remarkable natural acoustics.

Leading Artists

Since its creation, the festival has hosted renowned ensembles such as the Orchestre de Chambre Nouvelle-Aquitaine conducted by Jean-François Heisser, the Ensemble Outre-Mesure, the Ensemble Syntagma Amici, the festival's resident choir, and numerous soloists and chamber musicians. The programming blends major works from the classical repertoire, Baroque music, sacred works, and contemporary creations.

A Rich Program Beyond Concerts

True to its multidisciplinary approach, each edition features conferences led by musicologists, film screenings related to the musical theme, morning heritage walks connecting the various abbey sites (8 to 10 km), and a free exhibition. Walkers benefit from preferential rates for concerts.

Strong Territorial Roots

Supported by the Department of Vienne, the urban community of Grand Poitiers, and the Diocese of Poitiers, the festival contributes to the valorization of a millennial monastic heritage while making classical music accessible to the widest audience through moderate prices and numerous free activities.