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Beaune International Baroque Opera Festival

A not-to-be-missed event for classical music lovers

Beaune international baroque opera Festival

Every summer, Beaune vibrates to the sound of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque music. The Beaune International Baroque Opera Festival attracts music lovers and early music enthusiasts to Burgundy in an exceptional setting. 2025 marks a new impetus with the arrival of a new artistic director, Maximilien Hondermarck.

Other festivals in and around Beaune

A world-renowned festival for over 40 years

A revolution in 2025

Founded in 1982, the Beaune International Baroque Opera Festival has established itself as an essential reference in the world of Baroque music. Musicians specializing in the music of the 17th and 18th centuries enjoy coming to play in the capital of Burgundy every year.

The creators, Anne Blanchard and Kader Hassissi, have made this Festival one of the most important in the world of classical music in Europe. Their ambition was to breathe new life into the great works of opera. It was important to this inspired couple to preserve the authenticity of the original scores and to be faithful to them.

The program includes operas, oratorios, sacred music and recitals: in Beaune, the voice is king, and there’s something for everyone!

The concert venues, some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, also play an important part in the charm of this music festival.

A tribute to early music

Every year for the past 40 years, the Festival has featured operas by Baroque composers such as Monteverdi, Handel, Vivaldi and Rameau. The contrasting notes of Baroque music resonate both powerfully and softly in the Cour de l’Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune.

2025 will also see the return of medieval and Renaissance music to the Festival, which will resonate with the historical and musical heritage of Beaune and Burgundy. In particular, you’ll be able to discover the works of Guillaume Dufay, the great composer of the Burgundian court!

The aim of the Festival’s creators is to highlight the historical interpretations of the works performed. The instruments are period instruments, the interpretation faithful to the first performances: a musical journey back in time is guaranteed.

Beaune's heritage at the service of classical music

Beaune’s architectural heritage contributes greatly to the magic of the Festival. On Saturday evenings, the operas are performed in the famous Cour de l’Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune. The natural acoustics enhance every note played. The softness of a summer’s evening, the gradually fading light and the splendor of the setting all contribute to this extraordinary musical experience.

Other performances take place indoors, at the Collégiale Notre-Dame. This jewel of medieval heritage offers an intimate, solemn atmosphere.

In 2025, festival-goers will discover other Beaulieu heritage sites, some of which are rarely open to the public: the Chapelle de la Charité, the Chapelle des Visitandines and the Chapelle des Jacobins.

Internationally renowned artists

meet in Beaune

Over the years, the Festival has welcomed renowned conductors and soloists, including William Christie, Marc Minkowski, Jordi Savall, Emmanuelle Haïm, Andreas Scholl and Cecilia Bartoli. These artists, specialists in the Baroque repertoire, contribute to the renown and artistic excellence of the event.

Beaune is also the place to discover the great artists of tomorrow! Every year, the Festival gives a chance to young early music ensembles and promising singers.

Edition 2025

New impetus for the Beaune Festival

The arrival of Maximilien Hondermarck at the helm of the Beaune International Baroque Opera Festival has a few surprises in store. The new general delegate, who is also an opera singer, will be able to preserve the authenticity so dear to the public, while adding his own innovative touches.

The keys to the Festival’s success will, of course, be there again: new operas in concertante versions, recitals by prestigious soloists and the presence of leading ensembles on the Baroque scene.

But it’s in the mediation and conviviality that innovation will be most tangible. Bringing the treasures of early music to the attention of all, and providing festival-goers with an enjoyable experience: a noble ambition for 2025.

Frequently asked questions about attending the Beaune International Baroque Opera Festival

When does the 2025 Beaune Festival take place?
The 2025 edition will take place every weekend in July, from Friday to Sunday.
Who has been artistic director of the Beaune international baroque opera Festival since 2024?
Maximilien Hondermarck is the Festival’s new director. He has taken over from Anne Blanchard and Kader Hassissi.
Where can I buy tickets for the festival?
Tickets go on sale April 1, 2025 on the Festival website.
From March 15, 2025, “Les Amis du Festival” have priority booking.
The flagship concerts sell out very quickly, so don’t wait to plan your weekend in Beaune for the Festival.
Who are the artists expected in 2025?
The full program of the Baroque Opera Festival will be unveiled in Mars. New features are expected to be added to the Festival’s program and events.
How much does a ticket to the Baroque Opera Festival cost?
Reservations are not yet open. Information to come
Is there any entertainment during the Festival?
Cultural events, tasting dinners and tours are all part of the Festival program.
Can children attend the Baroque Opera Festival?
All Festival concerts are accessible to children, even if the length of some performances can sometimes be an obstacle.
The length of some of the works can be a disadvantage for the children themselves, for those accompanying them and for the rest of the audience, as well as for the artists (the author speaks from experience, with 2 indomitable young boys 😉).
Nevertheless, most of the Festival’s concerts are short – under 1h30 – and can be a great introduction for young audiences.
There will also be concerts on Sunday afternoons, which can be a good way of keeping the attention of younger audiences.
And for the slightly less young, Festival concerts are available at low prices on the Pass Culture app, and the evening of July 18 is specially designed for them! More info on the Festival website.
In the meantime, explore what you can do with your family in and around Beaune.
How do I get to the Festival?
It’s perfectly possible to come to Beaune by train to enjoy the festival. The 2 concert venues are in the town center, a 20-minute walk from the station.
You can find out how to get to Beaune on our “How to get here” page.
Is it possible to stay near the Beaune Festival?
The town of Beaune, and in particular the city center, offers a wide range of hotels. La Maison 1896, Le Cep and Le Central are just a stone’s throw from the concert venues. Consult the list of hotels.
You can also choose to sleep inother types of accommodation (guest houses, gîtes…).
Don’t wait to book your accommodation, as the Festival takes place during the tourist season.
Can the Beaune Festival be combined with a wine tourism experience?
Every Friday and Saturday, the Festival offers pre-concert dinners in the intimate and historic setting of the Hôtel-Dieu’s Chambre du Roy. The menus will be prepared by a chef from Beaune, who will create dishes to match
with the exceptional wines from the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune. It’s the perfect opportunity for music, food and wine enthusiasts to get together!
While you’re waiting for the Festival, discover the wine tourism experiences offered by our winegrower and wine merchant partners.