International Music Festival at Besançon, Franche-Comté

The 71st season of the International Music Festival of Besancon, renowned for its rich and eclectic programming, has chosen French music as one of its themes for 2018. Thirty concerts honouring symphonic repertoire are on the programme in the city, the gateway to the Jura mountains, as well as at Dôle, Audincourt and Luxeuil-les-Bains.

The capital of Franche-Comté and its famous citadel will once again vibrate to the sound of an impressive, eclectic and diverse programme with a generous rendition of French music, honouring the centenary year of Debussy, who died in August 1918. His music will be accompanied by that of his compatriots Ravel, Saint-Saëns and Berlioz, as well as Éric Tanguy, resident composer for two years at the festival.

Traditional popular classics will also feature, as well as music from around the world, with five dedicated concerts, including the African Salsa Orchestra, the Keyvan Chemirani Quintet and the National Ukulele Orchestra.

Traveling and outdoor concerts

Outside the concert hall walls, the whole city beats to the rhythm of the festival with a programme of travelling concerts. Spectators are invited to participate through a sound and visual installation, "Immersion Symphonique", an interactive orchestra where the audience is the conductor, set up for the second consecutive year in the courtyard of the Palais Granvelle.

This year, the festival will also stage three concerts at the Basilica of Luxeuil-les-Bains, the Commanderie de Dôle and Audincourt.

Practical
info 

7 - 16 September 2018
Tickets from 5 to €49. Some concerts are free.

Besançon in the Jura mountains