Les Musicales de Grasse

Music resonates in the perfume city

Les Musicales de Grasse take over the heritage sites of this historic city every summer, the world capital of perfume perched at 350 meters altitude in the hinterland of Cannes. The classical music and jazz festival offers a refined program in remarkable architectural settings, providing music lovers with a unique musical experience in the heart of Provence.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a sonic setting

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a Romanesque building from the 12th century classified as a historic monument, is the emblematic venue of the festival. Its exceptional acoustics, stone vaults, and contemplative atmosphere make it an ideal setting for classical music concerts, organ recitals, and chamber music concerts. The cathedral's grand organ, whose history the festival celebrates, is honored during dedicated concerts, sometimes accompanied by saxophone or trumpet for surprising sonic fusions.

A program between classical and jazz

The program of Les Musicales de Grasse boldly blends classical music and jazz. Classical evenings feature international soloists, string quartets, piano recitals, and symphonic concerts from the great repertoire: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel, Debussy. Jazz evenings welcome contemporary jazz trios and quartets, mixing improvisations, original compositions, and jazz standards. Artists like pianist and composer Jo Kaïat and his guests illustrate this encounter between genres.

Concerts in exceptional venues

In addition to the cathedral, concerts are held in several Grasse heritage sites: the Théâtre de Grasse, the open-air Place du Petit Puy, the gardens of the International Perfume Museum, and other historic sites in the old town. This diversity of venues allows for varied atmospheres, from the intimacy of a church recital to the conviviality of an open-air jazz concert under the Provençal stars.

The organ festival

Les Musicales de Grasse includes an organ festival, organized by the Friends of the Cathedral Organ. This event within the event offers a series of concerts showcasing the historic grand organ of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a remarkable instrument whose anniversaries the festival regularly celebrates. Organ concerts sometimes feature other solo instruments for original and accessible programs.

Grasse, an exceptional cultural setting

Grasse, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its perfume-related know-how, offers an exceptional cultural and heritage setting. The medieval city, with its picturesque streets, shaded squares, and panoramas of the Mediterranean, provides an ideal backdrop for a music festival. Les Musicales de Grasse contribute to the cultural influence of this destination, alongside the International Perfume Museum and the many artistic events in the commune.