Les Musicales de Montsoreau

Les Musicales de Montsoreau: Thirty Years of Music on the Banks of the Loire

In 1996, Argentine harpsichordist Mario Raskin founded Les Musicales de Montsoreau with the conviction that a small Loire Valley village could become a major center for classical music. Thirty years later, the challenge has been largely met: the festival has become an essential summer musical event in the Loire Valley, attracting internationally renowned musicians in an exceptional setting.

A Unique Heritage Setting

The concerts are held in two remarkable locations in the village of Montsoreau, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France:

• The Château de Montsoreau, a Loire Valley château built directly in the riverbed, now a Museum of Contemporary Art, whose vaulted rooms offer unique acoustics and atmosphere
• The church of Saint-Pierre-de-Rest, a Romanesque building whose acoustics are particularly suited to chamber music and recitals

A Rich and Varied Repertoire

The Musicales' programming explores a wide repertoire, from baroque music to contemporary classical, including romanticism and impressionism. Harpsichord, piano, string quartets, brass quintets, vocal ensembles, and soloists perform throughout the concerts, offering a highly diverse musical experience.

A Festival of Excellence and Transmission

Supported by the association Ligériana Musicale, Les Musicales de Montsoreau are distinguished by their artistic rigor and their commitment to transmission. The festival's flagship concept, particularly highlighted for the 30th edition in 2025, is "A Master, A Hope": seasoned international musicians perform alongside young talents, former students or disciples, in a spirit of companionship and passing the torch between generations.

Among the artists who have marked the festival's history are founder Mario Raskin on harpsichord, flutist Staffan Mårtensson, violinists Virginie and Bruno Robillard, pianist Nicolas Stavy, and the Rosamonde Quartet, as well as many leading soloists and ensembles on the classical music scene.