Les Rencontres Musicales de Cambrai

Les Rencontres Musicales de Cambrai: Classical Music Accessible to All

The Rencontres Musicales de Cambrai is a music festival created in 2017 that has quickly established itself as a major cultural event in the Cambrésis region. Under the artistic direction of Jean-Pierre Wiart, the festival annually offers an eclectic program combining chamber music, symphonic concerts, jazz, and musical humor.

Exceptional Heritage Sites

One of the unique features of the Rencontres Musicales is the choice of its concert venues. The festival takes place in the most beautiful heritage sites of the Cambrésis: the magnificent Art Deco Theatre of Cambrai, the Abbey of Vaucelles, founded in 1132 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and home to the largest Cistercian cloister in Europe, the open-air bandstand, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Cambrai. These exceptional settings offer unique acoustics and atmosphere for each concert.

An Eclectic and Ambitious Program

Each edition features about ten concerts spread over several weeks, from May to July. The program showcases great performers from the classical scene while also embracing other musical genres. Musical humor and shows combining music and theater enrich a cultural offering designed to appeal to both seasoned music lovers and newcomers.

Accessibility at the Heart of the Project

The festival's primary ambition is to make classical music accessible to the greatest number. Prices are intentionally kept affordable, and free admission is offered to children under 12 and students from the Cambrai conservatory. The festival also develops cultural mediation actions and solidarity events to reach audiences distant from culture.

Growing Influence

Over the years, Les Rencontres Musicales de Cambrai has built a loyal and growing audience, contributing to the cultural influence of this city with a rich musical past. Cambrai, the historical cradle of polyphony and choral singing, thus regains a prime position in the musical landscape of the Hauts-de-France region.