About
In just twelve years, this festival has become an essential event for music lovers in the heart of the South Charente countryside. Based in Chalais, the FIMCEC is regarded as an important, unique and dynamic cultural event. Over 5 weekends of festivities, great names from the current world classical music scene invite you to join with them on a voyage of constant discovery into the world of classical chamber music. The high standards applied to the selection of international artists, together with fresh and exciting programming have made this festival one of the most renowned of its kind over the years, attracting connoisseurs and neophytes in equal measure. A wonderful celebration of life and great art.
Each year, during the month of May and early-June, the beautiful and historic town of Chalais, nestling amongst the rolling hills of the Sud-Charente region of France, plays host to the Festival International de Musique de Chambre en Charente. Since its creation in 2009 by the Trio â Cordes SHAW, the Festival has rapidly gained a reputation as a festival for discerning music-lovers; a real annual “fest” unashamedly dedicated to the celebration of the essence of chamber music, to the celebration of a rich and demanding repertoire, to high quality and dynamic performances. Following on from the enormous success of its tenth anniversary last year, the festival is now considered to be the most important instrumental classical music event in the département, the only festival uniquely dedicated to chamber music. With an address book overflowing with international musician friends and colleagues, passion and a real will to make their new land of choice come alive, the three artistic directors, Nathalie, Julian & Jacob Shaw invite top musicians from a variety of countries and from across the generations, reflecting the paths of their own individual musical careers. The aim is always to present vibrant concerts of great music performed by artists of the highest calibre in inspiring locations and always at an affordable price.
Variously described as sophisticated, chic and très cool, the festival attracts music-lovers from across France and beyond, connoisseurs, first-timers, young and old alike. Each Sunday afternoon concert is followed by a farmers’ market offering the chance to sample local quality food, wine, cognac, pineau… receptions, meet the musicians, events for children, with additional social events promoted by the «Friends of the Festival», all add to the unique ambiance.
