Mozart Festival

A festival born from a passion for Mozart

In 1989, Henry Fuoc, a Mozart enthusiast and mayor of Saoû, a small village in Drôme nestled at the foot of Europe's most remarkable synclinal forest, decided to found a festival dedicated exclusively to the genius from Salzburg. From the very first edition, the success was phenomenal: 1,250 spectators flocked, with 250 having to sit on the ground for lack of chairs, earning the festival the nickname "Mozart without a tie". The budget was doubled in the second year.

From Saoû chante Mozart to Mozart Festival

For over thirty years, the festival was known as "Saoû chante Mozart", becoming an essential reference for classical music in France. In 2024, the event was renamed Mozart Festival, expanding its program to include Mozart and his contemporaries while maintaining its roots in Drôme. The festival is a member of France Festivals, the Salzburg Mozarteum, and the European association Mozart Wege.

Concerts in exceptional locations

One of the unique aspects of the Mozart Festival is the choice of its concert venues. Musicians perform in the heart of the Saoû forest, in Romanesque chapels, castles, and characterful villages throughout Drôme. Each concert is a unique experience where Mozart's music resonates in exceptional natural and heritage settings, far from traditional concert halls.

Musical excellence and conviviality

The Mozart Festival hosts internationally renowned artists each year: soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestras, and opera singers. The program, structured around an annual theme, explores the works of Mozart and his contemporaries with consistent artistic rigor. For the 2025 edition, the theme "Amadeus on Tour" celebrates Mozart's European travels, with stops in London, Italy, and Prague.

True to the "Mozart without a tie" spirit of its origins, the festival fosters proximity between artists and the public in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Moments of conviviality, meetings with musicians, and discovery of the Drôme region accompany each concert.

A festival rooted in Drôme

The Mozart Festival contributes to the cultural influence of Drôme and the dynamism of its rural territories. By investing in the department's emblematic locations, it facilitates access to high-level classical music in rural areas, true to its founder's vision. The festival welcomes several thousand spectators each year and is a highlight of the Drôme summer.