Festival Musical de Namur
63e editie gewijd aan oude en barokmuziek, met de stem als rode draad.
Position classical and baroque music experiences as cultural tourism draws for niche audiences and regional heritage enthusiasts.
- Discover the 63rd edition celebrating baroque vocal traditions
- Experience classical music festivals as cultural travel destinations
- Spotlight on vocal artistry in historical music repertoires
The 63rd edition of the Festival Musical de Namur runs from 26 June to 11 July 2026 under the theme "Voyage, Voyage," inviting audiences on a musical journey without unnecessary baggage but with the essential ingredient: time to listen. Set in the summer at two exceptional venues—the Grand Manège concert hall and the Saint-Loup Church with its sumptuous organs—the festival celebrates baroque, early, and vocal music. The 2026 programme features fifteen concerts crossing epochs and borders, from Rome to Lisbon, England to Bosnia-Herzegovina, reaching India, Iran, Turkey, and Cameroon.
- Led by artistic director Jean-Marie Marchal, the festival features Leonardo García-Alarcón, the Namur Chamber Choir, Ensemble Clematis, Stile Antico, and associated artists Pierre Derhet and Maxime Melnik.
- Key highlights include "Actéon" by Charpentier performed by Scherzi Musicali / Nicolas Achten (3 July), the Namur Chamber Choir and Les Traversées Baroques with Requiem and Stabat Mater by Ziani (2 July), and an English repertory recital with Pierre Derhet, Maxime Melnik, and Julius Drake (7 July).
- The programme includes Benedetto Marcello's rare "Four Seasons Sung," and "4 Femmes," a new creation with mezzo-soprano Ariana Vafadari based on women's testimonies.
- The festival spans baroque music, classical and romantic repertoires, Renaissance polyphonies, contemporary creations, and world music.
- The festival includes "Fanto &
- Lou," a musical fable about exile and integration for young audiences, and features the Trio Satellite, winners of the Génération Classique 2025 award.
- The programme features Benedetto Marcello's "Four Seasons Sung," a work rarely performed live.
- Leonardo García-Alarcón &
- Cappella Mediterranea
- Namur Chamber Choir
- Ensemble Clematis
- Stile Antico
- Pierre Derhet (tenor, associated artist)
- Maxime Melnik (tenor, associated artist)
- Julius Drake (pianist)
- Les Traversées Baroques
- Scherzi Musicali
- Ariana Vafadari (mezzo-soprano)
- Trio Satellite (Génération Classique 2025 winners)
- true