Cannes Celebrates the Sound of the Future: The 23rd Electroacoustic Music Festival Blends Innovation and Creativity

From November 4 to 7, the city of Cannes will become a meeting point for contemporary musical creativity, hosting the 23rd Journées Nationales de la Musique Électroacoustique (JNME). Organized by the Cannes Conservatoire in collaboration with the Théâtre de la Licorne and the Georges Méliès Campus, the festival brings together musicians, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the ever-evolving relationship between sound and technology.

Over four days, audiences will experience a rich program of concerts, installations, exhibitions, and conferences, offering a deep dive into the current state and future possibilities of electroacoustic music. It is a unique opportunity to listen, experiment, and reflect on how technology continues to redefine composition and performance in the 21st century.

The evening concerts at the Théâtre de la Licorne — featuring students and emerging talents from Tuesday to Thursday — will culminate on Friday, November 7, with a special tribute concert to composer Michel Pascal, a key figure in contemporary music. Meanwhile, conferences at the Georges Méliès Campus will address themes such as digital music as a tool for social inclusion, digital lutherie, and the integration of artificial intelligence into creative processes.

On Thursday, November 6, a spotlight will be placed on digital lutherie, an expanding field that blends craftsmanship and innovation, opening the door to new instruments and musical languages. Among the highlights will be the presentation of the “sirène musicale”, a groundbreaking creation that offers a multisensory approach to sound.

Admission to both concerts and conferences is free, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to making the event open and accessible to all, from professionals in the field to curious newcomers eager to discover new sonic experiences.

With its diverse and inspiring program, the Cannes Electroacoustic Music Festival reaffirms itself as a key event in the French music scene — and as a journey into the future of sound, where art and technology come together to imagine new forms of emotion and beauty.