Nohant Festival Chopin
Romantic piano in the heart of George Sand's estate
About Festival Chopin
Sixty years of music in the footsteps of Chopin and George Sand
The Nohant Festival Chopin was born in 1966 from the desire to revive the musical memory of the George Sand estate, an emblematic place where Frédéric Chopin composed some of his most beautiful works between 1839 and 1846. Located in Nohant-Vic, in the Indre department, this festival has become over the decades one of the essential events for classical music in France and a pilgrimage for lovers of romantic piano.
An exceptional heritage setting
The George Sand estate, managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, offers a unique setting for the festival's concerts. Spectators enjoy open-air recitals in the estate's park, lulled by the gentle Berry evenings. The intimate atmosphere of the place, where Chopin found inspiration for his Ballades, Preludes, and Nocturnes, gives the concerts an incomparable emotional dimension. The estate includes George Sand's house, her romantic garden, and a green theater that hosts the summer performances.
A demanding program dedicated to the piano
True to its original mission, the festival places the piano at the heart of its programming, with a special focus on Chopin's work. But the repertoire extends far beyond: Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, and contemporary composers also find their place in the programs. Each edition unfolds around a unifying theme that gives artistic coherence to all the concerts. The greatest names in international piano — from Aldo Ciccolini to Arcadi Volodos, from Rafał Blechacz to Lucas Debargue — have graced the Nohant stage.
A constantly evolving festival
Beyond piano recitals, the Nohant Festival Chopin has expanded its artistic offerings by hosting chamber music ensembles, orchestras, and multidisciplinary shows combining music, literature, and the performing arts. The festival also organizes conferences, meet-and-greets with artists, and master classes, making it a place for transmission and sharing. In 2026, for its 60th edition, the festival will celebrate the 150th anniversary of George Sand's death and host the first International Chopin-Pleyel Competition, a new international competition dedicated to Chopin's work.
International reach from Berry
With over thirty concerts and events spread over several weekends from June to July, the Nohant Festival Chopin attracts music lovers from all over the world each year. It benefits from the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Centre-Val de Loire region, and the Indre department. Its roots in a unique literary and musical heritage — the encounter between Chopin and George Sand — make it a festival unparalleled in Europe, a place where music and history blend intimately.
Festival Chopin — edition 2026
2026 Edition: 60th Anniversary and Tribute to George Sand
In 2026, the Nohant Festival Chopin celebrates its 60th edition, an exceptional anniversary marked by a tribute to the 150th anniversary of George Sand's death. From June 6 to July 22, 35 concerts, shows, and events will animate George Sand's estate, with a special focus on female artists, echoing the novelist's commitment.
Among the announced artists: pianists Gabriel Durliat, Nour Ayadi, Clément Lefebvre, Eliane Reyes, the Trio George Sand, violinist Camille Fonteneau, and cellist Henri Demarquette. The opening concert took place on March 11, 2026, at Salle Cortot in Paris.
A major event of this exceptional season: the first International Chopin-Pleyel Competition will be held from August 15 to 23, 2026, at George Sand's estate, a new international competition dedicated to the performance of Chopin's work.
Programme Festival Chopin 2026
Opening Weekend — June 6 and 7, 2026
- Saturday, June 6 — Talk and meeting with Michelle Perrot, historian: « George Sand by Michelle Perrot »
- Saturday, June 6 — Recital Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano): Schubert, Schönberg, Chopin, Brahms
- Sunday, June 7 — Discovery Showcase Nour Ayadi (piano): Rameau, Chopin, Debussy, Brahms
- Sunday, June 7 — Literary-musical show « Listen, my life is yours »
2nd Weekend — June 13 and 14, 2026
- Saturday, June 13 — Video conference Bruno Monsaingeon (director and writer) on Julia Varady
- Saturday, June 13 — Chamber music: Akilone & Fidelio Quartets with Éliane Reyes — Fanny Mendelssohn, Schumann, Mendelssohn
- Sunday, June 14 — Discovery Showcase Matouš Zucal (piano): Bach, Chopin, Franck
- Sunday, June 14 — Recital ClĂ©ment Lefebvre (piano): Chopin, Schumann, Scriabine
3rd Weekend — June 20 and 21, 2026
- Saturday, June 20 — Conference Thierry Bodin (manuscript expert): « Chopin-Sand, phantom correspondence »
- Saturday, June 20 — Recital Momo Kodama (piano): Chopin, Moussorgski
- Sunday, June 21 — Discovery Showcase Antoni Kleczek (piano): Chopin, AlbĂ©niz
- Sunday, June 21 — Duo Henri Demarquette (cello) & Jean-FrĂ©dĂ©ric Neuburger (piano): Chopin, Franchomme, Liszt, Rachmaninov
4th Weekend — June 27 and 28, 2026
- Saturday, June 27 — Talk and meeting Claire Le Guillou (author): « George Sand superstar »
- Saturday, June 27 — Recital Paul Lecocq (piano): Scarlatti, Chopin, FaurĂ©, Schumann
- Sunday, June 28 — Discovery Showcase Gabriel Durliat (piano): Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Berlioz
- Sunday, June 28 — Recital Elisso Virsaladze (piano): Bach, Saint-SaĂ«ns, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin
Closing Week — July 16 to 22, 2026
- Thursday, July 16 — Recital Saehyun Kim (piano): Schubert, Chopin
- Friday, July 17 — Masterclass Yves Henry on Pleyel 1844 piano
- Friday, July 17 — Conference Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger (musicologist): « Chopin through the eyes of George Sand »
- Friday, July 17 — Recital Saskia Giorgini (piano): Chopin, Liszt
- Saturday, July 18 — Masterclass Yves Henry on Pleyel 1844 piano
- Saturday, July 18 — Musical-literary Impromptu « Sand and Chopin in Nohant »
- Saturday, July 18 — Recital Kevin Chen (piano): Chopin, Scriabine, Liszt
- Sunday, July 19 — Discovery Showcase Ewa Leszczynska (piano): Szymanowska, Paderewski, Chopin, Liszt, Malibran, Viardot, Chaminade
- Sunday, July 19 — Recital by the Laureate of the Cortot Prize 2026 (to be announced end of May)
- Sunday, July 19 — George Sand Trio: Fanny Mendelssohn, Schubert
- Monday, July 20 — Masterclass Yves Henry on Pleyel 1844 piano
- Monday, July 20 — Conference Manuel BrossĂ©: « Arthur Rubinstein in Nohant »
- Monday, July 20 — Recital Akiko Ebi (piano): Bach, Mozart, Chopin
- Tuesday, July 21 — Masterclass Yves Henry on Pleyel 1844 piano
- Tuesday, July 21 — Talk and meeting Alain Lompech (writer and music critic): « What is romantic piano? »
- Tuesday, July 21 — Recital Ewa Poblocka (piano): Chopin
- Wednesday, July 22 — Closing recital by young soloists in residence: Chopin
Official program published by the Association Musique au Pays de George Sand — concerts at the George Sand estate in Nohant-Vic. Exact times are specified on the brochure and online ticketing (concerts generally in the evening, around 8:30 PM).
And after the festival… — August 15 to 23, 2026
First International Chopin-Pleyel Piano Competition in Nohant, jointly created by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the Nohant Festival Chopin and Pleyel Pianos: 24 pre-selected pianists compete at the George Sand estate. Dedicated ticketing available on the festival website from April 2026.
Highlights Festival Chopin 2026
- 60th anniversary edition of the festival (created in 1966)
- Tribute to 150 years since the passing of George Sand
- Around thirty concerts and events over 4 weekends in June + a full week in July
- Theme: « Sand and Chopin in Nohant »
- International headliners: Elisabeth Leonskaja, Elisso Virsaladze, Momo Kodama, Henri Demarquette, Akiko Ebi, Ewa Poblocka, Saskia Giorgini, Kevin Chen, Saehyun Kim
- Showcasing young artists through the discovery platform (Nour Ayadi, Matouš Zucal, Clément Lefebvre, Antoni Kleczek, Gabriel Durliat, Ewa Leszczynska)
- Significant presence of female artists echoing George Sand
- Chamber music: Akilone & Fidelio Quartets, George Sand Trio
- Yves Henry Masterclasses on Pleyel 1844 piano (4 days in July)
- Conferences and talks (Michelle Perrot, Bruno Monsaingeon, Thierry Bodin, Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger, Alain Lompech, etc.)
- First International Chopin-Pleyel Competition: August 15-23, 2026 (24 pianists competing)
Prices Festival Chopin 2026
Practical information — Festival Chopin
Practical Information
Access
The George Sand Estate is located in Nohant-Vic, in the Indre department (36), about 30 km southeast of Châteauroux.
- By car: From Châteauroux, take the D943 towards La Châtre, then follow the signs for "Domaine de George Sand". Free parking nearby.
- By train: Châteauroux station (Paris-Austerlitz – Châteauroux line). Car rental or shuttle recommended to reach Nohant-Vic.
Prices
- Full price: €30
- Member price (Cercle des Amis): €20
- Students: €10
Booking
Booking by mail from March, online from mid-March, and by phone at the Tourist Office from May at 02 54 48 46 40 or by email at [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Festival Chopin
Domaine de George Sand
2 Place Sainte-Anne, 36400 Nohant-Vic