Les Rencontres Musicales de Conques

Over forty years of music in one of France's most beautiful villages

Since 1983, the Rencontres Musicales de Conques have filled one of France's most beautiful villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, with music. Born from the conviction of a few enthusiasts that the Sainte-Foy abbey church possessed exceptional acoustics, these Encounters began under the name "Heures Musicales" before becoming the major festival we know today.

The Sainte-Foy Abbey Church, an exceptional acoustic setting

The heart of the festival beats in the Sainte-Foy Abbey Church of Conques, a masterpiece of 11th-12th century Romanesque art, famous for its Last Judgment tympanum with 124 sculpted figures and its contemporary stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages. The remarkable acoustics of this stone vessel make it a concert venue of rare quality. Concerts also take place in the ruins of the cloister, outdoors, and at the European Center of Conques, offering a variety of sound atmospheres.

A rich program under the artistic direction of Jean-François Zygel

Under the artistic direction of renowned pianist, improviser, and educator Jean-François Zygel, the Rencontres Musicales offers a rich and varied program from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM each day of the festival. The program explores the cross-pollination between ancient, classical, contemporary, and traditional music, bringing together vocal and instrumental ensembles from all backgrounds, internationally renowned artists, and groups from the Occitanie region.

Workshops, encounters, and conviviality

Beyond the concerts, the Rencontres Musicales offers musical workshops, meet-and-greets with artists, and moments of conviviality that enrich this intimate festival. The educational and participatory dimension of the event allows the public to discover music in all its facets, in a setting conducive to reflection and wonder.