In Aix-en

“Music is an escape”. These were the words of Hélène, following the concert, conveying the experience of Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in the living room of La Clarta, the palliative care home of the Hospitalité Saint-Thomas de Villeneuve. As part of “Musique en partage,” cellist Yan Levionnois provided a recital of rare intensity. Patients, families, and caregivers, united in a collective listening, shared a moment of grace, allowing a break from illness.

Bringing musical excellence to healthcare settings, for the most vulnerable: this is the commitment made by the Easter Festival through its solidarity program “Musique en Partage” and by the musicians of Assami for several years now. For the 2026 edition, the solidarity tour reached several establishments in the region, from La Clarta to the Roger Duquesne center of the Aix-en-Provence – Pertuis Hospital, passing through the Maison de Lambesc of the Hospitalité. Everywhere, the same observation emerges. Faced with end of life or old age, music soothes, connects, and heals.

The program of this edition was worthy of the grand stages, offering a unique experience at each location. At La Clarta, cellist Yan Levionnois captivated the audience by traveling through the centuries, from Bach’s suites, to the power of Prokofiev, and up to the modernity of Britten. The Roger Duquesne amphitheater welcomed violinist Eva Zavaro and pianist Théo Fouchenneret for a duo of remarkable intensity. Finally, at the Maison de Lambesc, a string quartet composed of musicians from the Munich Philharmonic made the residents’ hearts resonate.

One of the highlights of these encounters will undoubtedly be the presence of a patient from La Clarta who was able to attend the concert from her medicalized bed, specially brought down by the caregivers to the living room. Music, for everyone. The result is a wave of shared emotions. “It did me good,” confided one patient, still “moved” after the recital, while another simply whispered: “It was very beautiful.” The music enthusiasts did not hesitate to question the musicians, turning the concerts into true encounters.

In a daily life marked by vulnerability, music acts as a balm, offering a moment of respite in the face of illness. By transforming these healthcare settings into spaces of shared culture, the Easter Festival reminds us of the power of art and beauty, even in the most fragile moments of life.