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Cahors Editorial
Published on
Sep 18, 2024 at 5:16 PM
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The 9e edition of ClassiCahors Festival which closed on August 9, 2024 after more than two weeks of concerts in the Grand Cahors region and to Cahors has met its initial ambitions by offering an eclectic and accessible program for all. With September comes the time to take stock of the festival, which recorded better attendance than last year. ClassiCahors is already starting to prepare the 2025 edition, for its 10th anniversary, which promises to be exceptional.
Time to take stock for ClassiCahors
Nourished by determined choices in terms of works, instruments and artistic programming, this edition has once again pursued excellence by inviting high-flying artists and choosing to present popular or more intimate works to an ever more curious public.
The Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Karine Deshayes, Delphine Haidan, Jean-François Zygel, Justin Taylor, Théotime Langlois de Swarte, the Consort, Gabriel Rignol and the Ensemble la Nébuleuse, Pierre Emmanuel Roubet, Camille Humeau, Hyuk Lee, the Sacqueboutiers, the Quatuor Dutilleux and the Local Brass, all these artists enchanted the audience throughout the festival.
Thus the objective of the Festival and its founder-artistic director, Emmanuel Pélaprat, continues to be to take music as far as it can be heard and understood.
3500 spectators at the festival
More than 3,500 spectators gathered around concerts offered in the territory of Grand Cahors (notably in Lherm, Saint Cirq Lapopie, Labastide-du-Vert at the Marquayrol estate in the Henri Martin Gardens and Pradines) thus confirming its territorial anchoring. In Cahors, the Saint Barthélémy church, the courtyard of the Prefecture, the auditorium or the Theater served as settings for the greatest pleasure of the public who rediscovered the heritage of Cahors. Gourmet after-concerts in a friendly atmosphere, meetings with the artists, the discovery of new heritage sites, the perpetuation of a pricing policy allowing access to culture for all and free entry for those under 18 also make this festival a success.
This year again, an increase in attendance of young audiences was noted, thanks to this policy of free admission for the youngest, allowing them to come with their families. Since last year, the organizers have recorded an increase of + 60% of children and adolescents at the concerts.
Full concerts
Overall, the concerts were sold out, with the regret of having to turn away the public, which is always a frustration for artists, spectators and organizers. The first days of August, on the other hand, were more complicated compared to July, unlike last year for example.
Sonia-Sempere-Pélaprat, director of the festival, recalls that the festival records an attendance of 62% of Cadurciens and Grand Cahors, 20% of Lotois and 18% between Occitanie and tourists. “This loyalty touches us enormously, because this proximity that we maintain with the public is essential and a mutual trust has been established over all these years. We know that it is essential to be on the ground, every day all year round to better understand and know how to listen to the requests of our different audiences. Culture in rural areas is built in this way, and our actions over the year are rewarded by an ever-increasing audience. The festival is also a close-knit team of volunteers who have created admiration since the beginning of this great adventure. The institutions, patrons and partners continue to support us with confidence and loyalty” she continues.
An attractive pricing policy
For several years, the festival has been committed to implementing a pricing policy that allows access to culture for all. All of this is the result of significant daily efforts for the association. “It is therefore important to solicit our institutional partners, patrons and the public in order to continue to convey this message of sharing, excellence and transmission for all in culture. It should be remembered that the concerts we offer are generally scheduled in large French venues and international festivals where prices are sometimes multiplied by two or three,” insists Sonia Sempere-Pélaprat.
An exceptional 2025 edition for the 10th anniversary
These commitments have made it possible to offer over 120 concerts and shows in Cahors, Greater Cahors and the south of Lot over the past 9 years, with nearly 25,000 spectators throughout the region.
Next year, the ClassiCahors festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary and is already preparing a program worthy of the event. Starting July 19 and until August, several artists who have left their mark on the festival should be back on stage… A pre-festival evening should take place in June, just to whet the appetite of music lovers…
To perpetuate this festival, the association needs patrons, volunteers, and members. To join them, contact Sonia Sempere-Pélaprat at [email protected]
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