Festival d'Art Lyrique Aix-en-Provence

"I am proud to be part of writing a new chapter in its prestigious history and rich in the achievements of my predecessors, fuelled by the conviction that opera and the music of the last four centuries have a vital role to play in an increasingly troubled modern world.

The International Festival in July is preceded by a pre-festival, Aix in June, dedicated to local audiences. Both programmes include new initiatives in 2019 and a host of international artists, operas and composers presented for the first time at the Festival. This programming is the direct result of discussions with the artists about what they wanted to express today in this festival context. Conductors and directors, composers and librettists have chosen to work together to create this edition, exceptional in its contemporary dynamics.

This 2019 programme is therefore very special. If I had to sum up all these musical and theatrical proposals in a few words, I would choose the following formula: "Death sublimated is a celebration of life". For it is music that takes care to reconcile us with the anguish of our mortal condition. It rises above socio-political conflicts, transcends them to help us reconnect with compassion when follies of all kinds seem to predominate and hope seems out of reach. In celebrating life, we embrace the future and reflect on our role in building it.

There are many ways of expressing these thoughts and themes, and a festival is above all a wonderful opportunity to discover leading artists. Whether they are promising or experienced, creators or performers, these artists captivate us with their visions and questions and thus enrich our knowledge of music, theatre and the subjects that inspire them.

In addition to the six opera productions presented this summer, the Festival offers for the first time a structured programme of symphonic and chamber music concerts directly linked to the opera programme, in order to offer spectators a festival experience in which opera and concerts are henceforth inseparable.

A new series of events entitled Incises puts a special focus on contemporary music and living composers. Its name is a tribute to the composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, who has made an unforgettable contribution to several editions of the Festival over the past twenty years.

During Aix en Juin, an initiative called Opéra de-ci de-là allows young teams of artists to create fifteen-minute operas in unusual locations. The traditional Parade[s] concert on the Cours Mirabeau is dedicated this year to the works of Puccini to mark the entry of this great opera composer into the Festival repertoire with his iconic Tosca.

The Festival is proud of the richness of its activities, made possible by the passionate support of many organizations and individuals who understand our work and ensure the continuity of our mission. I would like to express my deep gratitude for their generosity and trust.

Our audience is the fourth wall that triggers the Dream and gives it meaning. Thank you for joining us on this new journey of discovery and contemplation.

Pierre Audi
Director General

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