The 35th edition of the Festival d’Art Sacré d’Antibes takes place from 11 September to 4 October, 2026 in the Cathedral and chapels of Antibes Juan-les-Pins
Run under the banner of When the Spiritual Meets the Emotional, this 35th edition of the festival returns with an outstanding programme of concerts and cultural events. Recognised with the Côte d’Azur France Tourism label, the festival has become one of Europe’s leading celebrations of sacred music.
For 35 years, the festival has showcased the architectural heritage of Antibes Juan-les-Pins while presenting exceptional sacred and classical music performed by internationally renowned orchestras, ensembles and soloists. This year’s programme includes appearances by the Notre-Dame de Paris Choir School and acclaimed violinist Renaud Capuçon.
2026 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
FRIDAY, 11th SEPTEMBER | AUTOUR DU GLORIA DE VIVALDI
Cathedral | 8:45 pm
This programme offers an immersive journey into the heart of 18th-century Italian Baroque, where rich expressiveness meets profound spirituality. It explores the many facets of the period’s sacred and instrumental music, showcasing the depth, emotion and artistry that defined the era.
Featuring the Orchestre de l’Academia Nuova Cameristica di Milano and the Licabella choral ensemble and Fonte Gaïa women’s choir (Valetta-Brianza, Lecco (Italy). Along with Leslie Visco (soprano), Giorgia Gazzola (contralto) and Vincent Tizon (oboe).
SATURDAY, 12th SEPTEMBER | VOIX D’ITALIE ET DU MONDE
Kiosque de la Place Nationale | 8 pm
Strongly rooted in the local community, the festival will once again feature a free open-air choral concert in Place Nationale. The concert is open to all and no reservations are necessary.
TUESDAY, 15th SEPTEMBER | CANTATES SACRÉES « VENITE, EXULTEMUS »
Chapelle St-Bernardin | 7:30 pm
Celebrating the richness of early 18th-century French music, the Ensemble Concerto Soave presents motets by André Campra and Nicolas Bernier, brought to life by the exceptional baritone Romain Bockler, the ensemble’s new co-artistic director.
Featuring Campra’s « Laudate Dominum » and « Venite Exultemus » and « Judica me deus » by Bernier
FRIDAY, 18th SEPTEMBER | RENAUD CAPUÇON INTERPRÈTE J-S-BACH
Cathedral | 8:45 pm
Video via medici.tv on YouTube
French violinist and conductor Renaud Capuçon is internationally recognised as one of today’s leading classical musicians. Celebrated for his expressive playing, rich tone and virtuosity, he performs with the world’s finest orchestras and artists in the most prestigious concert halls and festivals.
He will be joined by Paul Zientara (viola) and Krzysztof Michalski (cello).
WEDNESDAY, 23rd SEPTEMBER | SOUFFLES D’ESPRIT – CRÉATION MONDIALE
Chapelle Saint-Jean | 7 pm
Philippe Depetris offers an intimate and poetic exploration of the many facets of one of the world’s oldest instruments. The flute, an instrument of breath and respiration, becomes here a true extension of the soul, a vehicle for emotions and infinite sonic colours. With a programme blending emblematic works, this recital highlights the full expressive richness of the flute.
FRIDAY, 25th SEPTEMBER | VOIX DIVINE POUR VIVALDI, MOZART, HAYDN
Cathedral | 8:45 pm
Video via JBP FILMS – J.Blanch Productions on YouTube
From the Baroque brilliance of Vivaldi to the radiant spirituality of Mozart, via Haydn’s moving expression of faith, this programme explores some of the finest works of the sacred repertoire. Under the direction of renowned Baroque specialist Julien Chauvin, the Orchestre National de Cannes brings together passion, reflection and celebration in a performance rich in colour and emotion. The concert also features soprano Michèle Bréant, whose expressive voice will resonate through Antibes Cathedral in a programme that ranges from joyful exaltation to quiet contemplation.
WEDNESDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER | LES JARDINS DE LUMIERE, CONCERT SCÉNARISÉ
Chapelle de la Garoupe | 7 pm
Inspired by Mani, the 3rd-century Mesopotamian prophet who sought to unite spiritual traditions, Les Jardins de Lumière explores the universal themes of light, inner peace and the search for meaning. The programme weaves together music from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Taoist and animist traditions, alongside Norse and Egyptian mythology, highlighting the shared values that connect cultures and faiths. Through these diverse voices, it offers a powerful reflection on understanding, respect and our common humanity.
Featuring Ensemble « Les Itinerantes » with Manon Cousin, Pauline Langlois de Swarte, Elodie Pont (singers)
SUNDAY, 4th OCTOBER | CHŒURS DE LA MAITRISE DE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS
Cathedral | 3 pm
During the reopening services at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on 7 and 8 December, 2024, the Maîtrise performed under the direction of Henri Chalet before numerous heads of state and dignitaries from around the world, as well as over a billion television viewers in more than 130 countries.
Henri Chalet conducts a concert of Italian Baroque music featuring the works of C. Monteverdi, G. Gabrieli, and G. Carissimi. In collaboration with the Abbaye du Thoronet (Centre des Monuments Nationaux) and the l’Académie Musicale de Villecroze.
To mark the 35th anniversary of the festival, visitors can also discover a special exhibition by artist Gérard Raymond-Pierre, The Stations of the Cross, presented in the crypt of the Saint-Bernardin Chapel. Runs until 4 October, 2026.
The 35th edition of the Festival d’Art Sacré d’Antibes runs from 11 September to 4 October, 2026 in the Cathedral and chapels of Antibes Juan-les-Pins.
Under the artistic guidance of Philippe Depetris, the festival continues to combine musical excellence with the unique cultural and historic setting of Antibes.
VENUE DETAILS
35th edition of the Festival d’Art Sacré d’Antibes
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception d’Antibes
1, rue du Saint-Esprit
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 34 80 10
PHOTO CREDITS
- Lead image © RIVIERA BUZZ, all rights reserved
- All other images courtesy Festival d’Art Sacré d’Antibes
- Video as credited
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