Musique aux Mirabelles Festival

Musique aux Mirabelles: Classical Music in the Heart of the Côtes de Meuse

Nestled in the fortified village of Hattonchâtel, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lac de Madine and the Woëvre plain, the Musique aux Mirabelles festival has offered an exceptional annual event between classical music, opera, and Lorraine heritage since 2015. Created by soprano Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann, president and artistic director of the association, the festival takes its name from the emblematic fruit of Lorraine and aims to democratize access to great music in rural areas.

Exceptional Venues for Remarkable Acoustics

The concerts take place in historically rich settings with remarkable acoustics. The Collégiale Saint-Maur d'Hattonchâtel, a Gothic building classified as a historical monument since 1908 and housing a famous polychrome altarpiece by Ligier Richier, is the main venue for the festival. The Château d'Hattonchâtel, former residence of the bishops of Verdun restored in the early 20th century by the American patron Belle Skinner, also hosts concerts in its park. Over the seasons, the programming has extended to other remarkable sites in the Côtes de Meuse: the Saint-Evre church of Nonsard-Lamarche, the church of Fréméréville-sous-les-Côtes, the Étangs du Longeau in Hannonville-sous-les-Côtes, and the Lac de Madine site.

A Demanding and Eclectic Program

Under the artistic direction of Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann, the festival offers a series of concerts each season combining classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoire. Lieder and French melody recitals are alongside chamber music, orchestral works, and contemporary creations. Among the composers regularly featured are Schubert, Debussy, Fauré, Duparc, Chausson, Massenet, and Satie, as well as living composers like Sophie Lacaze, whose world premieres have been presented at the festival.

The festival hosts internationally renowned artists: conductor and pianist Frédéric Chaslin, a regular collaborator of the festival, violinist Saskia Lethiec, cellist David Louwerse, accordionist Pascal Contet, actress and narrator Marie-Christine Barrault, and mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti. The Orchestre National de Metz Grand Est also participates in exceptional concerts, particularly during the season opening at Lac de Madine.

A Strong Commitment to Accessibility and Education

The Musique aux Mirabelles association pursues a proactive pricing policy to allow as many people as possible to attend concerts: free admission for under 16s, reduced rates for people with disabilities and residents of the host municipalities, and advantageous season passes. An important educational component is developed for primary school children in the area, with interventions by professional musicians and music discovery sessions.

Ten Years of Cultural Influence

Since its creation in 2015, the festival has continued to grow. The association, recognized as being of public interest since 2016, celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024 with a significant season including a partnership with Les Escales Musicales, a festival founded in Mauritius. Over the years, Musique aux Mirabelles has established itself as a major cultural player in the Meuse region, contributing to the tourist appeal of the Côtes de Meuse and the Lorraine Regional Natural Park.