Festival Olivier Messiaen au Pays de la Meije

Founded in 1998, the Festival Messiaen au Pays de la Meije is now a not-to-be-missed event for contemporary music.

The Festival Messiaen au Pays de la Meije was created by Gaëtan Puaud and the Association Olivier Messiaen au Pays de la Meije as a tribute to the composer Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), who drew his inspiration from nature and landscapes. Since then, the Festival has taken place every year at the end of July, at La Grave, the concert venue facing the majestic Meije glaciers, or in the Briançonnais valley and in Isère, at Saint-Théoffrey where Olivier Messiaen is buried. These are places that were dear to the composer's heart, and which, in addition to offering the chance to discover his music, allow us to associate it with an exceptional natural heritage.

The Festival Messiaen au Pays de la Meije has welcomed the greatest artists, including former students of Olivier Messiaen such as Pierre Boulez, François-Bernard Mâche, Alain Louvier, George Benjamin, Tristan Murail, Roger Muraro… For over twenty years, it has also demonstrated its commitment to creation through an ambitious policy of musical commissions. Over forty new works have been presented, written by renowned composers invited for residencies, including Gilbert Amy, George Benjamin, Pierre Boulez, Philippe Manoury, Michel Fano, Bruno Mantovani, Tristan Murail, Michaël Lévinas, as well as Franck Bedrossian, François Meïmoun and Thomas Lacôte.

Since 2019, the Festival Messiaen au Pays de la Meije has been directed by Bruno Messina, who succeeded Gaëtan Puaud. The chosen theme, which resonates with the world of Olivier Messiaen, is the common thread running through the program, and features works by the master, his disciples and young composers, offering audiences a world tour of contemporary music.

The festival kicks off in Isère on July 25, and continues at La Grave and Le Lautaret from July 26 to August 1.