With 5,400 spectators in 2025, the 32nd edition of Music and Memory established a record in terms of attendance. “It’s hard to move on afterward,” concedes Fabrice Creux, the founder and artistic director of the Vosges Saônoises baroque music festival. But to make the comparison, the 33rd edition of the event, from July 17 to August 2, has arguments to make.
At the opening and closing of the festival, “two very important works” are on display. On July 17, the Masques ensemble will perform Pygmalionopera-ballet by Jean-Philippe Rameau, at the basilica of Luxeuil-les-Bains. On August 2, for its last year of residence in Haute-Saône, the ensemble Les Traversées baroques will present – still at the basilica of Luxeuil – Les Vêpres de la Vierge by Monteverdi. “It’s a monumental work from the Baroque era, co-produced with the Beaune festival,” says Fabrice Creux. “There will be almost 60 artists on stage.” A grand finale.
Funds raised to restore the Faucogney organ
New ensembles are joining the adventure this year. This is the case of L’Achéron, which will introduce Italian music from the 16th century on July 18 at the church of Servance, or of Barbaroco, which will offer Spanish polyphony from the Renaissance on July 23 to the public of Grandvillars, in the Territoire de Belfort. The festival also supports young talents. Tumbleweeds, already present two years ago, will offer a musical stroll in 17th century Venice on July 28e century. Music and Memory also accompanies the release of the first disc of this ensemble.
The organ, in Belfort, Luxeuil or Grandvillars, will still have an important place in this 33rd edition. Two programs, on July 22 with the Les Timbres ensemble and August 1 with Jean-Charles Ablitzer, will raise funds for the restoration of the historic organ of the Saint-Georges church in Faucogney-et-la-Mer.
Bach’s cantatas, on July 24 in Lure, clearly illustrate the artistic identity of the festival. But “steps aside” are also on the menu, like on July 29 in the green amphitheater of the Fougerolles ecomuseum: this time Bach’s music will be transcribed for modern instruments, a vibraphone and marimbas. On July 31, in Ecromagny, the Traversées baroques will offer “cross-views” between contemporary compositions and the music of Monteverdi.
Loyalty and new horizons
Music and memory also continue to bring places and works into harmony. Bach’s violin sonatas will vibrate the abbey park in Lure on July 26. On August 2, an ancient and modern viola da gamba repertoire will fill the very intimate Melisey Romanesque choir.
The festival remains faithful to the territory that saw it born and grow, with concerts in Faucogney, Lure, Héricourt, Belfort… It also renews itself by exploring other horizons, with new forays into Plancher-Bas and Fontenois-la-Ville, near Vauvillers. The opportunity, undoubtedly, to attract a new audience.
