Rencontres Musicales de La Baule et du Pays Blanc

Rencontres Musicales de La Baule et du Pays Blanc: Excellence in Chamber Music by the Sea

Born in 2023 on the initiative of the association Opus 133 and the town of La Baule, the Rencontres Musicales de La Baule et du Pays Blanc have quickly established themselves as a must-attend event for chamber music in France. Under the artistic direction of Georges Zeisel, a historic figure in French classical music (co-founder of ProQuartet, former producer at France Musique, and critic for Diapason), the festival offers an excellent program in exceptional venues.

The Parc des Dryades Amphitheater: A Unique Natural Setting

The festival's major concerts take place in the Parc des Dryades amphitheater, a 25,000 m² green space located in the heart of the seaside resort. Recently renovated, this open-air amphitheater has a capacity of 1,400 seats and remarkable acoustics. The natural setting, with maritime pines and Mediterranean species, creates a unique atmosphere for summer musical evenings.

The Pays Blanc: Concerts in Heritage Sites

Beyond La Baule, the festival extends to the heritage sites of the Pays Blanc: churches, chapels, and historical monuments in Guérande, Le Pouliguen, Batz-sur-Mer, and Mesquer host the Chamber Music Academy concerts. This itinerant approach allows the public to discover remarkable places while offering musicians intimate and warm acoustics.

Internationally Renowned Artists

Since its creation, the festival has hosted top-tier artists: violinist Renaud Capuçon, a regular at the festival since its first edition, pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, the Van Kuijk Quartet, the Danel Quartet, legendary guitarist Biréli Lagrène, violinist Corina Belcea, cellist François Salque, pianist Guillaume Bellom, the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, and violinist Iris Scialom, nominated for the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2025.

The Chamber Music Academy

Since 2024, the festival has included a Chamber Music Academy under the direction of cellist François Salque. This academy hosts young professional ensembles for intensive masterclass cycles led by experienced artists. The academy participants benefit from accommodation and meals and perform on stage alongside their mentors in concerts held in the heritage sites of the Pays Blanc.

Transmission and Social Commitment

True to its mission of transmission, the festival reserves 20% of its capacity for solidarity tickets at a reduced price (15 EUR) for young people and people with disabilities. Free concerts by the Academy are offered in the towns of the Pays Blanc, allowing as many people as possible to access high-level chamber music.