When it comes to classical music, Paris is a city like no other, with its many concerts. And even better, the Philharmonie de Paris has slipped a few free events into its agenda of excellence. Located in La Villette, it is a major venue on the Paris music scene, divided into two complexes: La Cité de la Musique and La Philharmonie 1. Its mission is to make music accessible to as many people as possible, and for this reason its agenda is packed with concerts, shows and other events that you can attend free of charge.
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An example of the various free events
The International String Quartet Audition
This event is organized as part of the String Quartet Biennial. It’s a full-day audition designed to enable emerging string quartet formations to present themselves before a prestigious international artistic committee, which you can attend free of charge.
🎵Music and Instruments : Chamber music, classical music by a string quartet (two violins, one viola and one cello).
🗓️ Date: January 17
The “Avant-Scènes” cycle
The “Avant-Scènes” cycle features talented young soloists who have just graduated from the Paris Conservatoire and are making their Parisian debuts with orchestra. The program features iconic works, including Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Ravel’s celebrated Concerto in G for piano, and Debussy’s Petite Suite. It’s an excellent gateway to the great classical repertoire.
🎵 Music and Instruments : Symphonic music, and modern classical music (20th century French and Russian) by a full symphony orchestra.
🗓️ Date: February 12
La Maestra” international competition for female conductors
This competition aims to give greater visibility and opportunities to women conductors. From the quarter-finals to the final rehearsal, candidates will conduct the Paris Mozart Orchestra, performing excerpts from famous orchestral works such as Mozart’s Symphony n°41 “Jupiter”. Attending this competition is an immersion in the fervor of the competition and in an event militating for parity in orchestral conducting.
🎵 Music and Instruments: Symphonic music, and classical music by the Paris Mozart Orchestra (a symphony orchestra).
🗓️ Date: February 23
An Italian Ball
This festive ball celebrates traditional Italian music and dance. Professional and amateur musicians enliven the evening with danceable music. You’ll discover lots of different music like the quadrille, tarantella or pizzica.
🎵 Music and Instruments : Traditional Italian music, with singing accompanied by guitars, frame drums (putipù), organetto (small accordion), zampogna (Italian bagpipes), violin, bass clarinet, or saxophone.
🗓️ Date: March 21
Don’t forget to check his online diary for the latest available events. Sometimes complicated to understand, these free events are the best way to discover classical music.