Saorge Music Weekend at the Monastery: Baroque Opera “Attila” and Solstice Musical on June 20–21, 2026

The Monastery of Saorge is preparing for a vibrant weekend dedicated to music and cultural heritage. On Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026, two free-entry events will bring together baroque opera research, live performance and contemporary musical creation in the heart of the Roya Valley.

This double program confirms the monastery’s role as a leading cultural hub for early music and innovative artistic expression.

Saturday, June 20: “Fenêtre sur l’Opéra” and the Rediscovery of Baroque Opera

The first day, starting at 5:00 p.m., will be dedicated to the baroque opera “Attila” by Pietro Andrea Ziani, composed in 1672 and dedicated to the Prince of Monaco of that era.

The “Fenêtre sur l’Opéra” initiative features the ensemble Stylus Luxurians, currently in residence at the Monastery of Saorge, working on the study and revival of this 17th-century Venetian score, historically linked to the cultural heritage of the Principality of Monaco.

The audience will be invited to explore the creative and scholarly process behind the reconstruction of this little-known baroque work through a fully immersive experience combining lectures, musical moments and live performance.

June 20 Program

• 5:00 p.m.: presentation and illustrated conference in the refectory
• 6:00 p.m.: musical surprise in the monastery garden
• 6:30 p.m.: concert at the church Notre-Dame des Miracles

During the evening, visitors will hear selected arias and melodies performed across the monastery’s historic spaces, from the garden to the church.

The project will later culminate in a full opera production included in the Festival de Musique Ancienne de la Roya in August.

The evening will conclude with a convivial gathering.

Sunday, June 21: “Solstice Musical” for the Fête de la Musique

The second evening, starting at 7:30 p.m., will feature the “Solstice Musical”, organized for the Fête de la Musique and dedicated to local musical creation.

The opening concert, “Solstice 2026,” will bring together multiple musicians and composers who developed original works during an artistic residency hosted at the monastery.

Performers include:

• Virgile Ganne (harp and compositions)
• Sarah Burrows (cello)

• Camille Boisset and Gwenn Masseglia (flutes)
• Merlene, Kaloina and Kaliana Clerici (piano and percussion)

The program offers a sonic journey blending classical, contemporary, traditional, jazz and progressive rock influences.

“Vallée de Chœur” Choir and Closing Gathering

At 8:30 p.m., the choir “Vallée de Chœur”, conducted by Gwenn Masseglia, will perform a repertoire combining traditional, classical and contemporary works arranged by the director.

The evening will end with a shared aperitif, where guests are invited to bring summer dishes to celebrate the longest day of the year in a spirit of community and sharing.

Information and Booking

Both events are free of charge. Reservations are recommended at:
📧 monastere-de-saorge@monuments-nationaux.fr

📞 Info: +33 4 93 04 55 55 / +33 6 58 51 05 60

Updates:

• www.monastere-saorge.fr
• https://www.facebook.com/MonastereSaorge/
• https://www.trophee-auguste.fr
• https://www.facebook.com/tropheeauguste
• https://www.monuments-nationaux.fr

A weekend combining heritage, musical research and contemporary creation, confirming the Monastery of Saorge as one of the most dynamic cultural venues in the French Riviera and the Roya Valley.