AGDE
In 2026, the Agde Sacred Music Festival, established on the initiative of the Town of Agde, which has entrusted its organisation to Agde Musica, will hold its 5th edition from 25 to 27 September.
It has established itself within the local and regional music scene. And every year, growing numbers of people are following this adventure which, beyond its high-calibre programme, helps to bring this important heritage site to life: the magnificent sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Agenouillade in Le Grau d’Agde, the first known place of Marian worship to have been frequented since the early Middle Ages.
This year, we invite you to experience ‘DIALOGUES: from tradition to creation’: tradition through Gregorian chant and Renaissance music, and creation through iconic works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Friday 25 September • 8.30 pm
Henry Purcell
> performed by the Académie de l’Opéra Royal de Versailles
conducted by Chloé de Guillebon (also on organ)
featuring Marie Zaccarini, soprano
Stéphane Wolf, countertenor
Antoine Ageorges, tenor
Thierry Cartier, baritone
A programme dedicated to the great composer Henry Purcell, who left his mark on the grand tradition of English sacred music at Westminster Abbey.
Saturday 26 September • 8.30 pm
Empreintes
> performed by Êkhô, chamber choir – 16 voices
musical direction, Caroline Semont-Gaulon
Ode to Night and Light
Ode to the Night and to Light
An all-a-cappella programme of sacred music, “Empreintes” brings together masterpieces of early music with those of contemporary composition, reflecting the diversity of the human soul’s states of mind throughout the centuries: jubilation, suffering, anticipation, veneration, supplication, gratitude, wonder…
A polyphonic experience of rare intensity!
Sunday 27 September • 5.00 pm
Hymn to the Virgin
> performed by the Ensemble La Sportelle
musical direction, Owain Park
Handel: Dixit Dominus
For centuries, the figure of the Virgin Mary has inspired composers, whether from the Gregorian tradition, the Renaissance or contemporary music. This programme, conceived and conducted by Owain Park, highlights this continuity by juxtaposing the luminous polyphonies of Victoria, Byrd and Brumel with the more modern visions of Górecki, Tavener and Owain Park. The music becomes prayer, suspended between tradition and modernity, inviting a sense of inner elevation carried by the infinite richness of choral singing.
> Notre-Dame de l’Agenouillade Church
The Festival’s Off Programme…
> Thursday 24 September • 7.00 pm
Music workshop (subject to confirmation)
Notre-Dame de l’Agenouillade Church, Le Grau d’Agde
reserved for choir members and singing students
> Sunday 27 September • 11.00 am
Festival Mass
Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Agde
Spoken languages : French
Friday 25 September 2026 at 8.30 pm.
Saturday 26 September 2026 at 8.30 pm.
Sunday 27 September 2026 at 11 am.
