Sonates d'Automne

Sonates d'Automne: over thirty years of chamber music in Touraine

Since 1991, the Sonates d'Automne festival has become a must-attend event for chamber music lovers in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Founded by Jean-Christophe Gayot, this festival now benefits from the artistic direction of Philippe Berrod, principal clarinettist of the Orchestre de Paris, who perpetuates the artistic excellence and spirit of discovery that have characterized the event since its origins.

The Lochois: an exceptional heritage setting

The festival's concerts take place in historic locations, in the heart of the royal city of Loches and the neighboring town of Beaulieu-lès-Loches. The Saint-Laurent church in Beaulieu-lès-Loches, a remnant of the former abbey founded by Foulques Nerra, the Saint-Antoine church in Loches, and the Agnès Sorel hall offer varied acoustics and remarkable architectural settings that enhance the musical performances.

An ambitious and eclectic program

The festival is distinguished by the quality and diversity of its programming. Each edition offers a musical journey from baroque to contemporary, including classicism, romanticism, and French impressionism. Works by Bach, Haydn, Schubert, Brahms, Ravel, Fauré, and Satie are featured alongside rarer pieces and contemporary creations.

Leading artists

The festival regularly hosts renowned musicians. The 2025 edition, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel and the 100th anniversary of the death of Éric Satie, brought together the Quatuor Fidelio, cellist Xavier Phillips, pianist François-Frédéric Guy, mezzo-sopranos Karine Deshayes and Delphine Haidan, the Magnifica Brass Quintet, and the Quatuor Psophos.

A human-scale festival

Spread over two October weekends, the Sonates d'Automne concerts cultivate an atmosphere of intimacy and conviviality. The chamber music format—from duos to quintets—encourages attentive listening and a privileged dialogue between musicians and the audience. This human dimension, combined with the beauty of the venues, makes the festival a unique musical and heritage experience.

Strong territorial roots

The festival actively contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of southern Touraine. By investing in major heritage sites, it participates in their enhancement and attracts a loyal audience each year, composed of discerning amateurs and newcomers seduced by the alliance of music and heritage.