This year’s 45th edition, held from September 13th to October 6th, 2024, embraced the theme ‘La voix est libre’ (‘The voice is free”) in the breathtaking Ambronay Abbey, whose remarkable acoustics continue to enhance each performance. True to the Festival’s mission of merging tradition with innovation, the program offered not just concerts but also workshops, guided tours, and conferences.
A highlight of this edition was the presence of Sustainable-EEEMERGING ensembles, offering audiences a chance to experience the vibrant energy of young talents shaping the future of early music. With a theme centered on the Voice, the Festival explored this unique instrument as a powerful tool for connection. The voice carries emotion, meaning, and the longing to be heard—a balance of intimacy and collective resonance. When transformed into song, it bridges past and present, inviting us on a profound journey through shared experience and transcendence.
Let’s dive into three concerts that left a lasting impression in Ambronay!
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Taking inspiration from the spirited 18th-century debates that pitted the elegance of French music against the fiery brilliance of Italian compositions, the ensemble La Mandorle presented a program that beautifully reconciled these two styles:
‘Rivalité franco-italienne’ |
With works by François Couperin, Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Friedrich Handel, and others, the charm of France and the expressive passion of Italy found harmony in music! Anchored by the gentle warmth of the theorbo, their sound highlights the eloquence of the oboe and the expressive depth of the violin. Discover more about the ensemble by clicking here.
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The bustling musical scene of 18th-century London found one of its finest expressions in the Bach-Abel Society, a celebrated concert series led by Johann Christian Bach and Carl Friedrich Abel.
Drawing inspiration from this rich cultural legacy, the ensemble Anacronía presented ‘Haydn dans les interstices’. |
With their historically informed approach and a flair for interpretation, Anacronía brought an energetic and engaging performance to life. Their dynamic connection with the audience and their inventive instrumentation recreated the eclectic mix of sounds that characterized the Bach-Abel Society, offering a vibrant window into London’s musical past. Discover more about the ensemble by clicking here.
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La Capriola captivated the audience with a program dedicated to the rich musical tradition of the Renaissance.
Manon, Dorine, Charlotte, and Juliette, united by their passion for the many facets of the Renaissance violin, explored works by masters such as Andrea Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi, and Cipriano De Rore.
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This performance offered a chance to rediscover a polyphonic repertoire, both sacred and secular, that often goes overlooked. With an approach that was both scholarly and full of vitality, La Capriola immersed listeners in the expressive depth of these works, creating an intimate connection between historical traditions and modern sensibilities. Discover more about the ensemble by clicking here.
These ensembles joined us this year—stay tuned as we support their journey and evolution as young ensembles!
