Printemps des Maîtrises

The choral excellence of young people

The Printemps des Maîtrises is a festival that celebrates choral art in its purest and most demanding dimension: the singing of children's choirs and maîtrise ensembles. Organized by the Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Metz, one of the oldest and most prestigious children's choirs in France, this biennial festival brings together leading vocal ensembles from across France and abroad for concerts of exceptional musical quality.

A cross-border festival

Printemps des Maîtrises is a cross-border event that unfolds not only in Lorraine but also in Luxembourg and Belgium. This geographical scope, unique for a children's choir festival, reflects the influence of the Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Metz and the richness of cultural exchanges in the Greater Region. Concerts are held in exceptional heritage sites on both sides of the borders.

Saint-Étienne Cathedral in majesty

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz, nicknamed the “Lantern of God” for its 6,500 m² of stained glass, is the emblematic venue of the festival. Concerts given under its Gothic vaults benefit from remarkable acoustics and a breathtaking architectural setting. Sacred repertoire works — masses, motets, vespers — find an ideal setting here, while contemporary creations resonate strikingly in this monumental space.

Repertoire and creations

The programming of Printemps des Maîtrises mixes major works from the choral repertoire and contemporary creations. The choirs perform both masterpieces of sacred music by Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, or Fauré, and contemporary pieces commissioned for the festival. Period instruments are sometimes favored, as during the concert with the ensemble La Petite Symphonie playing on period instruments from Mozart's era.

Masterclasses and exchanges

Beyond the concerts, the festival offers masterclasses allowing young singers from different choirs to learn from each other and work with renowned choirmasters. These educational exchanges contribute to the musical training of young performers and strengthen the bonds between participating choirs.

A living musical heritage

Printemps des Maîtrises helps to keep alive the tradition of maîtrise ensembles, age-old institutions that train children's voices in high-level choral singing. By highlighting these ensembles and bringing them together in a festival setting, the festival participates in the transmission of a precious musical and educational heritage, combining artistic excellence and the development of young choristers.