Musique en Côte Basque

Musique en Côte Basque: Over Sixty Years of Musical Excellence

Created in 1960 to commemorate the tricentennial of the marriage of Louis XIV and the Spanish Infanta Marie-Thérèse at the church of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Musique en Côte Basque is one of the oldest classical music festivals in France. For over six decades, this festival has brought classical music masterpieces to life in the historic venues and churches of the Basque coast.

Legendary Artists

Throughout its editions, Musique en Côte Basque has hosted the greatest names in international classical music. American soprano Jessye Norman, Polish pianist Arthur Rubinstein, German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, American violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and Swedish soprano Barbara Hendricks are among the artists who have left their mark on the festival's history. This tradition of excellence continues with each new edition, attracting leading performers from around the world.

Three Weekends in September

The festival unfolds over three weekends in September, offering a musical journey through the ages: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary music. Concerts take place in exceptional heritage sites on the Basque coast, including the churches and cloisters of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and surrounding towns, providing remarkable acoustics and a historic setting that enhances the musical experience.

A Festival in Transition

In 2020, Musique en Côte Basque joined forces with the Académie Ravel to create the Festival Ravel, establishing a benchmark musical hub in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This merger has broadened the programming while preserving the legacy of over sixty years of classical music on the Basque coast. The festival continues to offer chamber music concerts, recitals, and symphonic concerts in the region's iconic venues.

A Living Musical Heritage

Musique en Côte Basque embodies the deep connection between music and the Basque territory. Composer Maurice Ravel, born in Ciboure opposite Saint-Jean-de-Luz, drew essential inspiration from Basque culture and landscapes. The festival perpetuates this heritage by making the Basque coast a leading center for musical creation and dissemination.