Les Sensationnelles Festival

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.