Festival de l'Epau

Du 14 mai au 31 mai 2008

La vie du festival


History

The Festival of Epau

The Festival of Epau was started in the early 80s following two important events. Firstly, the restauration work of the abbey, and secondly, the local councils won their independence from the previously centralized regime following the decentralisation law of 1982. In order to affirm its support of the local arts and heritage, the department of the Sarthe decided dedicate this abbey as a site for culture and helped found a music festival.

The successive presidents of the local council all wished to make permanent this festival and to this end gave the funding necessary. Originally established as a non-profit association, the local government decided in 1998 to create an institution, the Sarthe Cultural Center, charged with putting into place a cultural program.

The configuration of the abbey allows for symphonic and oratorio performances. Temporary seating was installed in the 90s to provide better comfort for spectators. The monks dormitory has become a well-known hall for chamber music and recitals. The acoustics of the hall are much sought after by musicians.

The abbey is the center of the festival, but various locations throughout Le Mans and the Sarthe region are also used during the festival for midday concerts. Events are held in locations in the countryside as well to encourage the discovery of rural heritage sites otherwise infrequently visited.

There is a long list of performers who have already appeared at the festival or during the winter season at the abbey. Each year the concert schedule includes returning musicians from past years as well as new, young musicians who are worth discovering.

More recently the festival has begun various educational programs, taking advantage of the performers' presence. Various partnerships have been formed with local establishments that have recognized the Sarthe Cultural Center as a valuable resource in classical music.



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