Biot Hosts the 2026 Heures Musicales Festival: Capuçon Brothers, Bruce Liu and Rising Stars for the 43rd Edition

The town of Biot is preparing to welcome the 43rd edition of the Heures Musicales Festival, one of the most important classical music events in the Alpes-Maritimes region. From May 21 to June 12, 2026, the historic Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church will host four evenings dedicated to great music, featuring internationally renowned artists alongside promising young talents.

Organized by the Heures Musicales de Biot association, with the support of the Municipality and the Departmental Council, the festival continues to uphold its mission: combining artistic excellence, musical discovery, and cultural accessibility in an intimate and unique setting.

The 2026 edition is dedicated to the memory of Liliane Valsecchi, a key figure in the festival’s development, and features two distinguished patrons: Renaud Capuçon and Gautier Capuçon.

A classical music festival between tradition and innovation

For over forty years, the Heures Musicales of Biot have been a cultural reference point in the region, thanks to a program that alternates between world-class performers and emerging musicians.

A defining feature of the festival is its venue: the Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church, known for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere, creating a close connection between artists and audience.

All concerts will begin at 9:00 PM, offering an immersive musical experience in a historic and architectural landmark.

Heures Musicales Biot 2026 Program

Opening concert – May 21, 2026

The festival opens with a high-level performance by the Capuçon brothers:

• Renaud Capuçon (violin)
• Gautier Capuçon (cello)

Featuring works by Schulhoff, Ravel, and Kodály, the concert highlights a refined musical dialogue between two exceptional artists.

May 25, 2026 – Bruce Liu “Nuit espagnole”

The second evening features pianist Bruce Liu, winner of the 2021 Chopin Competition, with his recital “Nuit espagnole”.

The program includes works by Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel, and Liszt, showcasing elegance and expressive depth.

June 5, 2026 – “Perfect Match”

A unique and original concert brings together trumpet and accordion in the project “Perfect Match”.

Featuring:

• Lucienne Renaudin-Vary (trumpet)
• Félicien Brut (accordion)

The program explores works by Piazzolla, Bernstein, Legrand, and Galliano, blending classical music with contemporary influences.

June 12, 2026 – Young Talents: Sophia Liu

The final concert is dedicated to rising stars, featuring 17-year-old pianist Sophia Liu, already recognized for her exceptional maturity and musical sensitivity.

Her recital includes works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Balakirev, highlighting the Romantic repertoire.

A festival that celebrates masters and emerging talent

The Heures Musicales of Biot stand out for their ability to balance internationally renowned artists with young performers at the beginning of their careers.

This approach offers audiences a complete musical journey, combining classical heritage, reinterpretation, and artistic discovery in a consistently high-quality program.

Biot and classical music: a cultural landmark in the French Riviera

With its long-standing tradition, the festival has become one of the most important cultural events in the region, attracting music lovers from across the French Riviera and beyond.

The intimate setting of Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church, combined with the artistic excellence of the program, makes each concert a unique and memorable experience.

The 2026 edition confirms Biot’s role as a vibrant center for classical music and cultural life in Europe.