The Festival of Saintes unfolds “a map of the tender side of music”. The 55th edition features 29 concerts from July 11 to 18. David Théodorides and Ophélie Gaillard, the artistic directors, aim to evoke emotions with performances by soprano Patricia Petibon, masters Christophe Coin and Lionel Meunier, and Ravel’s “Bolero”.
Since 2023, the prominent piano festival in Gironde has offered a “New Generation” program in May to provide emerging artists with a platform beyond competition juries. According to artistic director Paul-Arnaud Pejouan, this initiative aims to showcase talent and connect with the audience.
Four young pianists were selected through a partnership with the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, known for producing artists like Lucas Debargue and Théotime Langlois de Swarte. Close collaboration with Rena Cheretchevskaïa, a Russian pedagogue based in France, has also contributed to their development.
A highlight of the festival is a free concert on Tuesday, May 5, at the Théâtre Fémina, focusing on Chopin. Louisa Sophia Jefferson’s performance at 2:30 PM will feature works by Chopin, Stravinsky, and Mozart. In the evening (8 PM), Ester de Stefano will showcase pieces by Chopin, Scriabin, Ravel, and Albeniz, followed by Alice Power, winner of the 2025 Cortot Prize, performing Chopin preludes and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty”. Tickets are priced at 20 euros.
[Context: The Festival of Saintes and the piano festival in Gironde are annual events that showcase classical music talent.] [Fact Check: The festival does not start in 2023, it is a mistake in the content.]
