Les Sensationnelles Festival
An unforgettable classical music festival in the heart of Sénonais
About Les Sensationnelles
A classical music festival rooted in Sénonais
Born in 2020 from the vision of cellist Victor Julien-Laferrière, the Les Sensationnelles Festival has established itself in just a few editions as one of the essential cultural events in the Yonne region. Every summer, for a week between late June and early July, the city of Sens comes alive to the rhythm of classical music in its most beautiful monuments: the Théâtre Municipal, an architectural gem of the 19th century listed as a historic monument, and the majestic Basilique Saint-Savinien.
Victor Julien-Laferrière, born in Sens, grew up surrounded by this exceptional heritage. First Prize winner of the Queen Elisabeth International Competition in Brussels in 2017 and recipient of the Victoires de la Musique classique award, he wanted to give back to his hometown a part of what it gave him by founding a festival in his image: ambitious, warm, and profoundly human.
A program between great repertoires and young talents
The philosophy of Les Sensationnelles is based on a constant dialogue between major works of the repertoire and the young generation of performers. Each edition features five concerts combining various ensembles: chamber orchestra, string quartet, piano-cello duo, wind quintet, vocal recital… The diversity of ensembles guarantees a complete musical panorama, accessible to all audiences.
The festival regularly features internationally renowned artists, often friends or collaborators of Victor Julien-Laferrière: pianist Adam Laloum, the Hermès Quartet, violinist Liya Petrova, pianist Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, pianist Jonathan Fournel, and the Klarthe Wind Quintet. The Orchestre Consuelo, an ensemble founded and conducted by Victor Julien-Laferrière himself, is at the heart of the festival's orchestral program.
Over the years, the festival has hosted works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Dvořák, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Strauss, Webern, and many others, creating an eclectic program that highlights both the pillars of the great romantic repertoire and less-performed or more contemporary works.
Exceptional concert venues
The Théâtre Municipal de Sens, built in 1880 and listed as a historic monument, offers a sumptuous setting for large orchestral ensembles. Its richly decorated Italian-style hall contributes to the festival's unique atmosphere. The Basilique Saint-Savinien, a Romanesque masterpiece from the 12th century, hosts chamber ensembles in a strikingly beautiful setting of stone and light. These two emblematic venues in Sens give Les Sensationnelles a remarkable visual and acoustic identity.
A festival open to all
Beyond the evening concerts, Les Sensationnelles strives to democratize access to classical music. Open dress rehearsals are organized during the day, allowing everyone to witness the birth of a concert, observe the interactions between musicians, and discover the backstage of musical creation. Outreach activities are also carried out with local conservatories, schools, and associations to reach audiences furthest from classical music.
The festival also offers concerts accessible to people with reduced mobility and develops close relationships with its volunteers and local partners throughout the year. This strong territorial anchoring makes it much more than a musical event: a true human and cultural adventure serving the Sénonais region.
A festival partner of national cultural life
Supported by the City of Sens, the Department of Yonne, and numerous private patrons, Les Sensationnelles also benefits from media partnerships with France Musique and France 3, which contribute to its national recognition. The association Le Sens Artistique, created to support the project, brings together a passionate team and loyal volunteers around Victor Julien-Laferrière. In just a few years, the festival has managed to establish itself durably in the Burgundian cultural landscape, attracting an ever-larger and more diverse audience each year.
Les Sensationnelles — edition 2026
7th Edition – From June 26 to July 5, 2026
For its seventh edition, the Les Sensationnelles Festival offers an ambitious program spread over ten days in two emblematic venues in Sens: the Théâtre Municipal and the Basilique Saint-Savinien. Victor Julien-Laferrière and his guests promise a new week of musical discoveries, exchanges, and shared emotions. Each concert is preceded by a public dress rehearsal during the day.
Confirmed Concerts for 2026
- June 26, 8 PM — Théâtre Municipal: Adam Laloum & Jonas Vitaud, four-hand piano — Brahms, Debussy, Stravinsky
- June 28, 5 PM — Basilique Saint-Savinien: Thaïs Rai-Westphal (soprano), Jonas Vitaud (piano), Lucien Julien-Laferrière (narration) — family concert around lied and melody (from 8 years old)
- June 30, 8 PM — Théâtre Municipal: Orchestre Consuelo, conducted by Victor Julien-Laferrière — Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Wagner, Schönberg
- July 2, 8 PM — Basilique Saint-Savinien: Victor Julien-Laferrière, solo cello — Bach & Kodály
- July 5, 5 PM — Théâtre Municipal: Liya Petrova (violin), Jean-Frédéric Neuburger (piano) and the Orchestre Consuelo, conducted by Victor Julien-Laferrière — Liszt, Sibelius
Programme Les Sensationnelles 2026
The 7th edition of the Les Sensationnelles Festival offers five concerts from June 26 to July 5, 2026, distributed between the Théâtre Municipal de Sens and the Basilique Saint-Savinien. Each concert is preceded by a public dress rehearsal during the day.
Friday, June 26, 2026 — 8:00 PM · Théâtre Municipal
Four-hand Piano — Adam Laloum & Jonas Vitaud
Works by Brahms, Debussy, and Stravinsky.
Sunday, June 28, 2026 — 5:00 PM · Basilique Saint-Savinien
Around the Lied and Melody — family concert (from 8 years old)
Thaïs Rai-Westphal (soprano), Jonas Vitaud (piano), and Lucien Julien-Laferrière (narration). A journey through melody and lied supported by musical narration.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — 8:00 PM · Théâtre Municipal
Orchestre Consuelo — conducted by Victor Julien-Laferrière
The conductor dialogues with the orchestra from his cello. Works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Wagner, and Schönberg.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 — 8:00 PM · Basilique Saint-Savinien
Solo Cello Recital — Victor Julien-Laferrière
Works by Bach and Kodály.
Sunday, July 5, 2026 — 5:00 PM · Théâtre Municipal
Closing Concert — Orchestre Consuelo, Liya Petrova & Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, conducted by Victor Julien-Laferrière
Works by Liszt and Sibelius for a symphonic finale.
Highlights Les Sensationnelles 2026
- Dates: June 26 – July 5, 2026 (7th edition)
- Opening concert with Adam Laloum & Jonas Vitaud on four-hand piano (June 26, Théâtre Municipal)
- Solo cello recital by Victor Julien-Laferrière — Bach & Kodály (July 2, Basilique Saint-Savinien)
- Symphonic evening with the Orchestre Consuelo — Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Wagner, Schönberg (June 30)
- Closing concert with Liya Petrova and Jean-Frédéric Neuburger accompanied by the Orchestre Consuelo — Liszt, Sibelius (July 5)
- Family concert accessible from 8 years old (June 28)
- Public dress rehearsals before each concert
Prices Les Sensationnelles 2026
Practical information — Les Sensationnelles
Practical Information
Concert Venues
Théâtre Municipal de Sens – 21, boulevard Garibaldi, 89100 Sens. Classified as a historical monument (1880), it is the main venue for the festival's orchestral concerts.
Basilique Saint-Savinien – 137, rue d'Alsace-Lorraine, 89100 Sens. A 12th-century Romanesque monument, hosting chamber ensembles in an exceptional acoustic setting.
Access
By car: Sens is accessible via the A19 motorway (Sens Ouest interchange) or the N60 national road from Paris. From the capital, allow approximately 1h15. Parking spaces are available in the city centre near both concert halls.
By train: Sens station is served from Paris-Gare de Lyon (Transilien R line then Intercités, approximately 1h15 to 1h30). The station is a 10-minute walk from the Théâtre Municipal.
Prices
- Full price: 18 € per concert
- Reduced price: 12 € (students, under 26, job seekers with proof)
- Free: under 16s
- Festival pass (5 concerts): 72 €
Bookings
Tickets are available online on the HelloAsso platform (helloasso.com/associations/le-sens-artistique) or by phone at 06 18 10 32 98. It is advisable to book in advance, as concerts regularly sell out.
Open General Rehearsals
Each concert is preceded by a public general rehearsal during the day (generally in the afternoon), accessible to the public. These highlights allow you to discover the musicians in a more intimate setting, before the official evening performance.
Contact
Association Le Sens Artistique
Phone: 06 18 10 32 98
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.festivallessensationnelles.com
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Where does it take place — Les Sensationnelles
Théâtre Municipal de Sens et Basilique Saint-Savinien
21 boulevard Garibaldi, 89100 Sens