Photo : Scala
Festival Aux Armes, Contemporains !
Trade the stuffy concert halls for a vibrant showcase where contemporary flair meets piano excellence. This series breathes new life into classical repertoire through bold improvisations and talented young performers who turn every note into a captivating experience.
La Scala Paris (Paris 10th)
About
The Aux Armes, Contemporains ! festival takes over La Scala Paris from October 2 to October 5, 2026, showcasing a curated selection of contemporary and classical music. This ticketed event brings together virtuoso soloists and ensemble performances for four days of sonic exploration. From piano interpretations of Schubert to avant-garde collective pieces, the festival serves as a platform for both established works and new compositions. Highlights include experimental piano mirrors and exclusive album previews. The event concludes on Monday, October 5, at 20:00 with a live broadcast recorded for France Musique, inviting the public to witness the vibrancy of today's musical scene.
PROGRAM
Friday, October 2nd
7 PM #1 Reflections in the water, Kim Bernard
Kim Bernard summons Ravel, Debussy, and Rachmaninov to mirror them with her own improvisations.
9:15 PM #2 Secret Gardens, Jodyline Gallavardin
Discover a preview of tracks from Jodyline Gallavardin's upcoming album for Scala Music, blending poetry, virtuosity, and dreamlike qualities.
Saturday, October 3rd
7 PM #3 Schubert D.960, John Gade
A monumental work for a young virtuoso pianist. John Gade performs Schubert's final piano sonata, D. 960, the centerpiece of his latest album on Scala Music.
9 PM #4 The Tomb of Ravel, Gabriel Durliat
2 pianos, 4 pianists, and 40 complicit fingers for a unique musical celebration featuring Ravel, Varèse, and an original work by Olivier Penard.
Monday, October 5th
8 PM Action! Creation!
Act VI – Live on France Musique
For the 6th edition, France Musique celebrates contemporary music during a grand evening of live music in front of an audience at La Scala Paris.
Our take on this event
Located at 13 Boulevard de Strasbourg, La Scala Paris hosts the Aux Armes, Contemporains ! festival between October 2 and October 5, 2026. The program kicks off on Friday, October 2, at 19:00 with Kim Bernard, who blends Ravel and Debussy with personal improvisations. At 21:15, Jodyline Gallavardin offers an exclusive preview of her upcoming Scala Music album.
Saturday, October 3, features John Gade performing Schubert’s monumental D.960 sonata at 19:00. Later, at 21:00, Gabriel Durliat leads an ensemble of four pianists in a performance dedicated to Ravel and Varèse, alongside an original piece by Olivier Penard.
The festival reaches its finale on Monday, October 5, at 20:00 with 'Action ! Création !', the sixth edition of a special concert event recorded live for broadcast on France Musique. All performances are ticketed. This series offers a unique opportunity to experience high-level musicianship in the heart of Paris, spanning a diverse range of artistic styles and modern arrangements.
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