About Sacred Music Noyon

Sacred Music at Noyon Cathedral is a festival of sacred music concerts organized every autumn in the majestic Notre-Dame de Noyon Cathedral by the Noyon'Arts association. This high-quality concert series brings together amateur and professional choirs, soloists, and instrumental ensembles around the sacred repertoire, from medieval music to contemporary creations. The festival benefits from partnerships with Le Virelai, Cantus Felix, the Department of Oise, and the City of Noyon.

Sacred Music at Noyon Cathedral: Choral Art in a Gothic Setting

Every autumn, the Noyon Cathedral of Notre-Dame opens its doors to lovers of sacred music for an exceptional concert series organized by the Noyon'Arts association. In this masterpiece of early Gothic art, one of the oldest in France, leading vocal and instrumental ensembles bring the great works of the sacred repertoire to life.

A High-Quality Program

The festival offers a demanding yet accessible program, blending:

Great Works of the Sacred Repertoire: masses, requiems, oratorios, and motets by the greatest composers

Baroque Music: Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and the masters of the 17th-18th centuries

Romantic Music: Dvořák, Fauré, Brahms, and their spiritual legacy

Contemporary Creations: commissions and first performances of new works

Concert "Celestial Faces"

Among the festival's highlights, the concert "Celestial Faces" pairs Dvořák's Mass in D, romantic and somber, with an oratorio by Karol Mossakowski titled "Heavenly Faces," a vibrant and spiritual creation premiered in Paris in Spring 2025. This program illustrates the festival's commitment to combining musical heritage and contemporary creation.

Noyon Cathedral of Notre-Dame

The Noyon Cathedral of Notre-Dame, built from 1145 onwards, is one of the first great Gothic buildings in France. Its majestic architecture—slender nave, four-armed transept, galleries, and rose windows—offers remarkable acoustics that enhance voices and instruments. Concerts in this historic venue create a unique musical and spiritual experience.

Noyon'Arts, Cultural Engine of the Noyonnais Region

The Noyon'Arts association is the main cultural player in the Noyon music scene. Beyond the sacred music festival, it organizes concerts, performances, and cultural events throughout the year that animate the artistic life of Noyon and its region. Its commitment to sacred music is part of a desire to keep the exceptional heritage of the cathedral alive.

Strong Partnerships

The festival benefits from the support of leading institutional and associative partners:

Le Virelai: a reference vocal ensemble

Cantus Felix: a high-level amateur choir

Department of Oise: financial and logistical support

Noyonnais Tourist Office: ticketing and communication

City of Noyon: provision of the cathedral and support

Practical information — Sacred Music Noyon

Access and Transport

By car: Noyon is accessible via the A1 motorway (exit 10 Compiègne or exit 11 Noyon/Roye) from Paris (approx. 1h15) or via the N32 from Compiègne (approx. 20 min). Free parking is available in the city center near the cathedral: parking at Place du Parvis, parking at Le Cours, and parking at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The historic center is easily accessible on foot from these parking lots.

By train: Noyon station is served by TER Hauts-de-France from Paris-Nord (approx. 1h10, with a connection in Compiègne) or directly from Compiègne (approx. 15 min). The cathedral is about a 10-minute walk from the station, crossing the historic center.

By bus: The Noyonnais bus network serves the town and its surroundings. Intercity lines connect Noyon to Compiègne, Chauny, and neighboring towns.

Practical Information

Venue: Noyon Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Place du Parvis, 60400 Noyon. The cathedral, built from 1145 onwards, is one of the first great Gothic buildings in France. Its remarkable acoustics make it a prime location for sacred music concerts.

Dates and Times

The festival takes place in October, in the form of a series of concerts spread over two to three weekends. Concerts are generally held on Saturday evenings and/or Sunday afternoons. The precise times for each concert are announced on the Noyon'Arts website and at the Noyonnais Tourist Office.

Prices

Full price: €15. Reduced price: €12 (students, job seekers, seniors). Free for children and teenagers under 16. Multi-concert subscriptions may be offered at advantageous rates.

Ticketing

On-site: Noyonnais Tourist Office, Place Labarre, Noyon. Open Monday to Saturday.

Online: Sales via the Tourist Office's secure online shop. Advance booking is recommended, as concerts in the cathedral often sell out.

Practical Tips

As the cathedral is not heated, it is strongly recommended to bring warm clothing (coat, scarf) for the October concerts. Seating is unnumbered; arrive early to choose your spot. Silence is requested during concerts.

Tourism

Take advantage of your visit to discover Noyon's exceptional heritage: the chapter cloister, the Noyonnais museum, the chapter library, and the historic gardens. The Tourist Office offers guided tours of the town.

Contact

Noyon'Arts – Website: www.noyonarts.com

Noyonnais Tourist Office – Place Labarre, 60400 Noyon

Sacred Music at Noyon Cathedral

About Sacred Music Noyon

Travel to this festival