Lumières du Baroque

Lumières du Baroque: Twenty-five Years of Early Music in Celles-sur-Belle

Since 1999, the Lumières du Baroque festival has established itself as one of the major events for early music in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Founded by Jean Maillet, a musician passionate about baroque music and creator of the ensemble Mensa Sonora in 1989, the festival was born from a love affair between a musical repertoire and a place: the Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle, whose 17th-century classical architecture and natural acoustics provide an ideal setting for the sounds of early music.

Over the years, the festival has evolved while remaining true to its original mission. Gabriel Grosbard, violinist and musical director of Mensa Sonora, has taken over the artistic direction of the festival, bringing new dynamism to the programming while preserving the spirit of discovery and sharing that has characterized the event since its inception.

A Program Balancing Artistic Excellence and Openness

The Lumières du Baroque festival is distinguished by the diversity of its offerings. While baroque music concerts form the core of the program — featuring performances of works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Rameau, Couperin, Purcell, and Monteverdi — the festival also extends to theater, circus, and shows for young audiences, creating bridges between early music and other art forms.

Simply Marvel

Under the motto "Simply Marvel", the festival cultivates a warm and relaxed atmosphere of hospitality. Musical conferences shed light on the programmed works, surprise events punctuate the days, and the convivial atmosphere of the bar and restaurant Au Rythme d'Ailes extends the musical experience in a village-like setting. A shop also offers recordings and books on baroque music.

The Royal Abbey: A Monument in Service of Music

The Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle, founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in Poitou. Its abbey church, cloister, and conventual buildings offer concert spaces with varied acoustics, allowing for a transition from grand concerts in the abbey church to intimate recitals in the cloister. This historic monument, owned by the municipality, is a center for culture and heritage throughout the year.

Mensa Sonora: The Founding Ensemble

The ensemble Mensa Sonora, founded in 1989 in Deux-Sèvres by Jean Maillet, is the driving force behind the festival. Specializing in early and baroque music, this ensemble of professional musicians has developed a repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to classicism, with a preference for composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Mensa Sonora is the festival's permanent musical partner, but also hosts numerous guest ensembles each year.