Les Soirées Baroques de Monflanquin

A Baroque rendezvous in the heart of a medieval bastide

Since 2002, the Soirées Baroques de Monflanquin have brought the royal bastide of Monflanquin—officially ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France—to life every summer. The festival was born from the passion of choral singing enthusiasts, inspired by their encounter with the Les Passions de Montauban Baroque Orchestra, with the goal of bringing the vocal Baroque repertoire to life in an exceptional heritage setting.

A dual event: vocal workshop and festival

The uniqueness of the Soirées Baroques lies in its combination of a Baroque choral singing workshop (by prior registration) and a festival open to all. For two weeks in July, participants work daily on the Baroque repertoire in workshops led by professional teachers and choir directors, before performing in closing concerts alongside professional soloists and the Les Passions orchestra.

Artistic and musical direction

The festival is under the musical direction of Jacques Charpentier, accompanied by choir director Pierre Goumarre. The soloists and teachers, including Sophie Pattey and Jean-Laurent Coëzy, provide vocal coaching for the workshop and perform during the festival concerts.

A rich and varied program

Each edition explores a different theme within the vast Baroque repertoire:

• 2023: "Baroque music from the New World" with the Ensemble Alkymia
• 2024: "The Bach Family" featuring C.P.E. Bach's Magnificat and J.S. Bach's Short Mass, with the Barocco Tango Trio
• 2025: "Handel the European" with the Ensemble Hexaton, the Duo Gambelin, and a final concert blending Handel and Vivaldi
• 2026: "25 Years of Baroque Passions," an anniversary edition featuring Baroque trumpets and timpani

Events for every audience

Beyond the concerts, the festival offers open-air cinema screenings in the Place des Arcades (such as Gérard Corbiau's Farinelli, Il Boemo, etc.), illustrated sound conferences to discover the lives and works of Baroque composers, and intimate recitals in charming locations.

Exceptional heritage venues

Concerts and events take place in remarkable settings:

• Salle des Consuls, rue des Arcades in Monflanquin, a historic hall in the heart of the bastide
• Saint-André Church of Monflanquin, an acoustic jewel for grand choral concerts
• Château de Roquefère, a bucolic setting for open-air recitals
• Place des Arcades, the heart of the bastide for open-air cinema screenings

A human and community commitment

Organized by the Les Soirées Baroques de Monflanquin association, chaired by Bernard Berthoumieux, the festival relies on the dedication of passionate volunteers and the warm hospitality of the bastide's residents. Participants are hosted by locals or in the communal house, strengthening the bond between the festival and local life. The 2026 edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of this artistic and human adventure.