Les Nocturnes du Piano
Festival of young piano talents in Cagnes-sur-Mer
About Nocturnes du Piano
A festival dedicated to young piano talents
Created in 2022, the Les Nocturnes du Piano festival has quickly established itself as a must-attend event for classical music on the French Riviera. Its mission is clear: to introduce as many people as possible to the rising stars of the piano under 35, in an exceptional setting and an intimate atmosphere. From its very first edition, the festival has met with considerable success.
The Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur, a prestigious setting
The festival takes place at the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a unique venue offering an exceptional panorama between the sea and mountains. This singular location lends a rare poetic dimension to the recitals, where chamber music resonates under the Mediterranean sky. The careful acoustics and the proximity to the artists make each concert a privileged experience.
The "Samson François" International Piano Competition
The festival is coupled with the "Samson François" International Piano Competition, named after the legendary French pianist born in Frankfurt but deeply connected to the French Riviera. This competition aims to identify and promote the most promising young pianists on the international scene, offering them exceptional visibility.
Exceptional performers
Throughout its editions, Les Nocturnes du Piano has hosted internationally renowned pianists and prodigies in the making. Among the notable performers are Philippe Bianconi (festival patron), Ryan Wang (17-year-old prodigy), Jean-Baptiste Doulcet, Marie Ange Nguci, Marcel Tadokoro, Rachel Breen, Nour Ayadi, Jodyline Gavallardin, Rodolphe Menguy, Ismaël Margain, and Dmytro Semykras.
Rendez-vous Musicaux de l'Hippodrome
In addition to the main recitals, the festival offers the Rendez-vous Musicaux de l'Hippodrome, free musical moments that allow the public to discover other facets of piano and chamber music in a relaxed atmosphere. These events contribute to the democratization of classical music for a large and diverse audience.
Nocturnes du Piano — edition 2026
5th edition of the Nocturnes du Piano at the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur, from June 26 to July 5, 2026. Seven open-air recitals highlighting young piano talents under 35, sponsored by Philippe Bianconi. In parallel, the 5th Concours International de Piano Samson François brings together nearly 200 candidates from over 30 nationalities.
5th edition — under the sign of excellence
For its fifth consecutive year, the Les Nocturnes du Piano festival takes over the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer. From June 26 to July 5, 2026, seven exceptional open-air recitals will take place, facing the sea, in a carefully designed acoustic setting. The festival continues its mission: to introduce the widest possible audience to the rising stars of piano under 35.
5th Samson François International Piano Competition
In parallel with the recitals, the "Samson François" International Piano Competition welcomes nearly 200 candidates from over 30 nationalities, aged 5 to 35, for its 5th edition. The rounds take place during the day from June 27 to July 3, with the Artist category final on Friday, July 3. The Samson François Grand Prize (€7,000) offers the winner a recital at a future edition of the festival. Access to the daytime rounds is free for the public.
Piano Enthusiasts' Days
On July 4 and 5, 2026, the festival offers its Piano Enthusiasts' Days: one-hour individual masterclasses with Nicolas Bringuier, a collaborative workshop, and a concert by the participants. An initiative that contributes to the democratization of classical music for a passionate audience.
Programme Nocturnes du Piano 2026
Thursday, June 26, 2026 — Opening Night
- 9:00 PM — Théo Fouchenneret, piano. Grand Prize of the Concours International de Genève, Théo Fouchenneret is one of the most acclaimed French pianists of his generation.
Friday, June 27, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Adi Neuhaus, piano. Program: Medtner, Rachmaninov, and Chopin. Young Israeli prodigy trained with Murray Perahia.
Saturday, June 28, 2026 — Special Night
- 8:00 PM — Introductory Lecture
- 9:00 PM — Samuel Hasselhorn, baritone & Philippe Bianconi, piano. Winterreise (Winter Journey) by Schubert. Samuel Hasselhorn is a laureate of the Concours Reine Élisabeth; Philippe Bianconi, patron of the festival, is an internationally renowned pianist.
Monday, June 30, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Diana Cooper, piano. Winner of the Samson François Grand Prize 2025, Diana Cooper is a rising French artist on the international scene.
Friday, July 3, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Ryan Wang, piano. 18-year-old Canadian pianist, youngest laureate of the Prix Cortot and winner of BBC Young Musician 2024.
Saturday, July 4, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Arielle Beck, piano. 17 years old, Instrumental Soloist Revelation at the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2026.
Sunday, July 5, 2026 — Closing Night
- 9:00 PM — Jorge & Co — tango night. With Jorge Buajasan Gonzalez, Anne Le Pape, Marion Chiron, and Blanche Stromboni.
Highlights Nocturnes du Piano 2026
- Théo Fouchenneret opening — Grand Prize of the Concours de Genève
- Schubert's Winterreise by Samuel Hasselhorn and Philippe Bianconi
- Ryan Wang, 18 years old, BBC Young Musician 2024
- Arielle Beck, 17 years old, Revelation at the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2026
- 5th Samson François International Competition — 200 candidates, 30+ nationalities
- Open-air recitals at 9 PM facing the sea
Prices Nocturnes du Piano 2026
Practical information — Nocturnes du Piano
Access
The festival takes place at the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur, 2 boulevard Kennedy, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer.
- By car: Autoroute A8, Cagnes-sur-Mer exit. Free parking on site.
- By train: Cagnes-sur-Mer SNCF station, then a 10-minute walk.
- By tram: Line T2 to Cagnes-sur-Mer station.
Prices
Online ticketing on the official festival website. Prices communicated for each recital. Rendez-vous Musicaux de l'Hippodrome are free.
Contact
Phone: 06 11 52 23 77
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Where does it take place — Nocturnes du Piano
Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur
2 Boulevard John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer