Seven unmissable festivals in France this summer

LeMonde

24-05-2025

Whether it's a one-off performance or a special program, these are our favorites in classical, jazz, pop-rock and world music.
Amanda Favier shares her violin in Allier
A precocious violinist – she performed as a soloist in a concerto at 9 years old, and was admitted to the Conservatoire de Paris at 13 – Amanda Favier could have simply shone on stage thanks to her exceptional talents (limitless virtuosity, infinitesimal nuances). She chose instead to pursue a path marked by sharing and generosity. For instance, she helped an unknown violinist (Lucien Durosoir) who was playing in the trenches and two creators (Igor Stravinsky, John Corigliano) sometimes mocked for their hybrid aesthetics. This quality now expresses itself in the programming of a festival, Préludia, for which Favier has served as artistic director since 2024.
On June 21, her violin (a Matteo Goffriller from 1723) will feature in almost all performances by the artists at the opening of this event, which will take place in various heritage sites in Allier, central France, until August 30. In a duo, Favier will perform Bartok with violinist Elise Bertrand; in a trio she will play Dvorak; and as part of a string quartet she will accompany soprano Chloé Chaume. Between each piece, Favier will exchange the bow for the microphone to gather her partners' impressions on the works performed at Château du Riau. P. Gi.