Music in Auvergne

"Elle est à toi cette chanson, toi l'Auvergnat qui sans façon"... Brassens is not the only singer-musician to be inspired by the Auvergne and its people. The region is a land of talent, where music resonates from the Tronçais forest to the Cantalien Châtaigneraie.
Ten years ago, Clermont-Ferrand was recognized as the capital of rock. Today, bass continues to set the pace in the region, with bands like Mustang, The Belfour, Com John, Sophy Major, Wazoo...
Folk music is also on the agenda, with artists like Math Low. Thomas Kahn, meanwhile, has made his mark in American soul. Others like MuddyGurdy, who draws on blues, Latino tunes and the hurdy-gurdy....
In recent years, rap music has become increasingly popular in France, and the Auvergne region is no exception. New artists are coming to the fore, including Clermont-Ferrand's Metodik, who duetted Remember with Montluçonnais Yan CK, BR La Peuf, who shot his video in the Saint-Jacques district, and Aurillac's Bunny. Mr Chépair won over the public on social networks and reached the semi-finals of the TV show La France a un incroyable talent. Last year, Clermont-Ferrand rapper Mickaël Jiminy entered The Voice. Another rapper to be discovered among the many talents from Auvergne: Illustre. Urban cultures are just as popular, and have their own festival in Clermont-Ferrand: Les Trans'urbaines. From rap to dance to graffiti, the whole of hip-hop culture is showcased in a festive atmosphere that we hope to see every day.

"Classical music, popular..."

Contemporary music has its own stage in the Puy-de-Dôme, and it's called Europavox and takes the form of a festival. In the Coopé, on the lawn or forecourt outside, at the Marcel Michelin stadium..., the groups programmed on the big stage are all well known to the general public: Jeanne Added, Eddy de Pretto, Franz Ferdinand, Petit Biscuit, Clara Luciani, Romeo Elvis, PLK... On the small stage, you can discover quality European groups. Other not-to-be-missed festivals include the ever-growing World Festival Ambert, and Aurillac en scène, which returns in 2025.
Not a rock or rap fan? Perhaps electro speaks to you? Then the Hadra Trance Festival is for you. Created in 2005, it is France's first psychedelic trance festival. Since 2016, it has been taking place in Vieure, in the Allier region. For 3 days, festival-goers can look forward to 150 artists performing on 3 different stages.
If electro doesn't necessarily soften the blow, it's a virtue we attribute to classical music. The two opera houses in the Auvergne region, Vichy and Clermont-Ferrand, offer a wealth of classical programming. These are places to discover for their architecture and the quality of the concerts and operas on offer. The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the classical music festival at La Chaise-Dieu in late August. The greatest musicians are on the program. Concerts, serenades and lectures are offered every day. The Orchestre d'Auvergne always draws a crowd. It has also created the first 100% digital label, under the name Orchestre d'Auvergne live. It is now possible to stream all its recordings on the major music platforms. A first in France!
Another music, another history, another rhythm: jazz has its place in Auvergne. Numerous festivals make it the star of the show. Jazz aux sources in Châtel-Guyon, Jazz en tête in Clermont-Ferrand, Sancy snow Jazz in the Sancy massif... Another musical style in the spotlight, at Laroquebrou in the Cantal: boogie-woogie. At the beginning of August, the festival takes you on a journey through the United States: Texas, Chicago, Detroit, New York..

Dance now!

Who says music, says dance. The traditional dance of Auvergne is the bourrée (no relation with any alcohol excess). It gathers different dances that are performed by two, four or even twenty people, forming a circle or a line. To accompany the steps of the dancers, it is necessary to have an accordion or a cabrette, a violin or sometimes a hurdy-gurdy... Today it is not rare that a saxophone or a trombone join the festivities.
In Saint-Flour, the Festival des Hautes-Terres reserves them a very particular place. During the last weekend of June, the Auvergne culture meets different traditional cultures. A moment of sharing where you come out enriched as much by your own culture as by that of one or two other invited countries. On this occasion, it is possible to try the steps and the different figures of the bourrée. Do not hesitate to join the dancers on the floor.
If you liked the Festival des Hautes-Terres, you will appreciate the festival of Gannat, Les Cultures du monde. At the end of July, during 10 days, through dance shows, concerts, recitals, parades, film-concerts, the spectators discover different cultures, different peoples. A real world tour while remaining in Auvergne.

Theatre: from the stage to the street

Every city has its own theater and annual cultural program. in 2020, the doors of the Comédie opened in Clermont, a brand new building designed by Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. More than just a theater, it's a place for living and sharing, open to all.
In Aurillac, the International Street Theatre Festival is a much-anticipated event for professionals and theatre-lovers alike! The town undergoes a complete metamorphosis, and from morning till night, we live to the rhythm of the companies' programming. A festive atmosphere accompanies the companies. The 2024 edition broke all attendance records! Comedy, history, current affairs, youth, wandering, music, dance...: we warned you, the hardest part is choosing! In Naucelles, Le Parapluie welcomes artists in residence. Performances are given on a regular basis, with time for discussion with members of the companies. Ideal for immersing yourself in this rich cultural world.