CIC and the Easter Festival unveil the 2026 program of unmissable artistic events throughout Aix-en-Provence and the south of France from March 28 to April 12.

Under the joint stewardship of Dominique Bluzet and Renaud Capuçon, the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival has, in 12 years, established itself as one of the must-see classical music events in Europe. Like CIC, its founding partner, the Festival brings together the spirit of enterprise, excellence and community solidarity. The 2026 season renews its artistic promise, and marks a new milestone in the Festival’s development, as it increasingly asserts its artistic, educational and civic dimensions.

A renewed artistic ambition

Thirteen years on from its creation, the Easter Festival remains a model of how an entrepreneurial and cultural project can serve local communities, innovate and adapt in order to extend its reach beyond Aix-en-Provence and its discerning audiences.

True to the Festival’s reputation for excellence, the 2026 season promises to stage unmissable events. The Festival will feature a series of musical ensembles, from the esteemed Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, under Lahav Shani, to the Orchestre National de Lille led by Joshua Weilerstein. The Orchestra and Choir of the Zurich Opera will also join the lineup under Gianandrea Noseda, as will the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Emmanuel Pahud and Lionel Bringuier, and Jordi Savall with Le Concert des Nations.

A total of 900 artists will showcase the diversity of European traditions, spanning masterpieces from the repertoire and rediscovered works. Not to mention exceptional soloists such as Martha Argerich, Renaud Capuçon, Gautier Capuçon, Emmanuel Pahud, Bertrand Chamayou, Nadine Sierra, Mao Fujita, Gidon Kremer, Mikhail Pletnev, Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Raphaël Feuillâtre, Yulianna Avdeeva, and the young talents of Génération@Aix.

“Musique en Partage”, the Festival’s community-centered program

At the Easter Festival, music brings meaning and thrives in diversity. As the ultimate unifying art, it is passed on and shared in all its forms. Music resonates all the more when it reaches all audiences, fosters openness, creates dialogue, and embodies transmission. CIC, a major regional player and creator of connections, is proud to support the Easter Festival’s “Musique en Partage” inclusive, solidarity-driven initiative. In 2026, the program will again feature around one hundred free events in the towns and villages of southern France, as well as in hospitals, palliative care centers and schools.

Among the standout initiatives of the Festival's solidarity program, there are two in particular. The 2nd edition of the “Petite Académie de Pâques”, which will offer more young musicians from conservatories in rural areas a chance to be mentored by renowned artists. And, in keeping with its commitment to openness, on March 29, the Festival will hold an event at the Camp des Milles, a place of memory and civic education, to bring together figures from religious circles and civil society, philosophers and historians at roundtables that will be punctuated by chamber music concerts, with the theme “Reflect, Remember”.

For Daniel Baal, Chairman of CIC : “The Easter Festival is a shining example of how an entrepreneurial, cultural and educational project can serve society and local communities. Through its unwavering commitment to artistic quality and its ambition to diversify and enhance the events on offer, it embodies CIC’s commitments as a mission-driven company : to innovate, reach all audiences, support younger generations, and create a positive, lasting impact.”

“In 2026, more than ever, the Easter Festival is asserting itself as a festival with a mission : to enrich local communities, provide a springboard for young talent, reflect on the role of artists in a troubled world, and imagine the audiences of tomorrow,” add the Festival’s executive and artistic directors Dominique Bluzet and Renaud Capuçon.

Visit the press area to download high-resolution versions of the press kit and photos of this latest season at www.festivalpaques.com

CIC and the Easter Festival look forward to welcoming you in Aix-en-Provence from March 28 to April 12, 2026.