Opéra Bastide – Edition 2025

OPERA CARMEN

July 19, 20 and 25 at 20 p.m., July 27 at 15:30 p.m. at the Théâtre des Bastides

Finely adapted for accordion, Spanish guitar, and instrumental ensemble, this captivating reading of Carmen highlights all the dramatic intensity and musical richness of George Bizet's lyrical masterpiece.

Thanks to a wonderful closeness with the artists, the audience will be transported to the heart of a passionate and wild drama where Love and Freedom clash in a whirlwind of fiery emotions.

PRICES – from €12 to €35

THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL COMEDY

July 17, 18, 24 and 26 at 20 p.m. at the Théâtre des Bastides

Loosely based on Edmond Rostand's play Les Romanesques, this iconic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones holds the record for longest run on Broadway. With poetry, humor, and unforgettable standards, Les Fantasticks takes us on a journey of humor, tenderness, and fantasy, through a timeless love story, inspired by Romeo and Juliet.

In a luminous and sparkling production, the audience will be invited to discover or rediscover this little gem of musical theater. A joyful celebration of dreams and gentle insolence not to be missed!

PRICES – from €10 to €30

THE INVITATION TO TRAVEL

July 22 at 20 p.m. at the Chapel of the Black Penitents

In the shimmering setting of the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs, a magnificent jewel of the Baroque, come and enjoy this Invitation to Travel with the romantic melodies of Schumann, Fauré, Duparc, Liszt and other genius composers who were able to draw from the depths of their often tormented souls to offer us some of the most beautiful melodies of the Romantic repertoire.

We bet that from this happy alliance between the richness of the decor and the intensity of these tinted works, an infinite delicacy, a profound melancholy or a vibrant exaltation will emanate a captivating atmosphere where each note becomes a promise of escape and beauty.

PRICES – from €12 to €25

SONGS AND CANCONS

July 23 at 20 p.m. at the Cloister of the Chartreuse St-Sauveur

In the majestic setting of the Cloître de la Chartreuse, this concert, conceived and sung in collaboration with the Institut d'Estudis Occitans del Vilafrancat, invites us to journey through poetry with Chansons & Cançons to the vibrant heart of Occitania. From the heritage of the troubadours, we will pass through Occitan madrigals, traditional songs from Auvergne and Rouerge, to the famous Chansons d'Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube.

A musical arc is emerging, part of the vast movement of European nations to research their musical heritage, known as folk. This program is a sensitive journey through time and lands, a dive into the Occitan soul.

PRICES – from €10 to €20

PRELUDE TO THE MUSICAL COMEDY

July 13 at 18 p.m. at the St-Jacques Chapel

As a taster, we're offering an intimate, spontaneous, and cheerful concert in the heart of the St. Jacques Chapel. A lighthearted and festive musical moment, perfect for whetting your appetite before the festivities begin!

PRICES – from €5 to €10

The festival will also offer moments of exchange and discovery within the framework of MasterClasses bringing together young artists and singing masters, as well as performances accessible to all during the five Opéra Bœuf sessions and the five Fenêtres Ouvertes.

Finally, the festival will reach out to the public with an Opera in a Cart, a traveling format, and three Operas for the Elderly in EHPADs.

The Lyrical Challenge

June 24 at 14:30 p.m. – Public Hearing – Salle de Sénéchal, 31 rue du Sénéchal, Aveyron Conservatory

Young artists take up the challenge during a session open to the public and completely free, by auditioning in front of our teachers from the Lyric Arts France Young Artists Program; a unique opportunity to observe vocal and artistic work up close, to discover new talents and to approach the backstage of the lyrical demands.

The MasterClasses

June 25, July 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 14:30 p.m. – Salle de Sénéchal, 31 rue du Sénéchal, Conservatoire de l'Aveyron

The Opéra Bastide 2025 Festival is honored to welcome several internationally renowned singing masterclasses for five exceptional MasterClasses. In a privileged setting, singers will have the wonderful opportunity to perfect their craft alongside eminent teachers, exploring technique, interpretation, and the infinite palette of emotions, all in the service of music.

A rare moment of exchange and transmission, open to enthusiasts who wish, during public sessions, to observe the craftsmanship that gives birth to the magic of opera.

In partnership with Lyric Arts France.

The Beef Opera

July 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 22:30 p.m., Sunday July 27 at 19:30 p.m. – Opera in Complete Freedom at Café Atmosphère, Rue de la République

In the café's warm atmosphere, singers and spectators gather for an Opéra Bœuf, an impromptu evening where music is spontaneously performed. There's no set stage or program here: the artists launch into action as their inspiration dictates, solo, in duet, or in chorus, while the audience enjoys a moment of conviviality and sharing.

A festive event where opera breaks free from its codes to become a true musical celebration, between passion and good humor!

The Open Windows

June 26, July 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10 a.m. – The Opera at the Market, Maison Dardenne, Place Notre-Dame

On Thursday mornings, as the market bustles through the streets of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, the Maison Dardenne becomes an unusual stage. From its open windows, artists perform the greatest opera arias, offering passersby an enchanting break between two stalls.

A lyrical surprise in the heart of the city, where the magic of music invites itself into everyday life, transforming the market into an open-air opera house.

The Opera in a Carriage

July 19th matinee – A Traveling Opera

On Saturday mornings, the streets of Villefranche de Rouergue come alive with a lyrical caravan like no other: a horse-drawn carriage carrying singers and an accordionist for a musical escapade in the heart of the town.

At the bend of a square, in a cobbled alley, voices resonate, carried by the accordion, offering passersby a moving opera, festive and poetic. An invitation to rediscover the city to the rhythm of music and the horses' hooves.

Three Operas for the Elderly

Music at the Heart of Retirement Homes

The Opéra Bastide Festival reaches out to our seniors with three exceptional performances in retirement homes and nursing homes. Driven by fervent enthusiasm and generous spirit, the young artists share the beauty of opera with residents through iconic arias in a warm and intimate atmosphere.

A moment of emotion and sharing, where music revives memories, brings joy, and creates a bubble of poetry within the establishments. Because opera is a celebration that can be experienced at any age!

FTX Workshops

A youth development program featuring music, singing, dance, and visual arts will be held every Saturday in June for the city's children. Focusing on the theme of Fantastic Beasts, the children and their creations will then be included in the show.