Harp lovers, music lovers, simply curious travelers or those just passing through, the Harpes au Max festival returns for a third edition from May 11 to 14, 2023, promising journeys to the four corners of the musical planet. This unique international festival is initiated and organized by the Community of communes of Ancenis (COMPA) in cooperation with the Camac Harp and the city from Ancenis-Saint-Géréon. Radiant, it once again offers a panoramic view of La Harpe and the Pays d'Ancenis.
Ask for the program... some 50 concerts and shows by harpists and musicians from all over the world, from electronic to world music, including Celtic, classical, jazz... and the amazing workshops, masterclasses and shows in which urban dance is invited to the party! An event for all generations, discover the "happy addition" of the Pays d'Ancenis, during a concert or a vacation! The festival is also an opportunity to meet the inhabitants of the area in the public space.
The expertise and shared passion of COMPA, Harpes Camac and Ancenis-Saint-Géréon were combined to launch this amazing festival in 2016, aimed at all generations.
Concerts, workshops, and events will take place in the historic sites of the Pays d'Ancenis, including performance halls, cultural venues, and libraries, to reach all audiences. This year, more unusual venues will be opening for this edition, such as the Studio Adjololo in Vallons-de-l'Erdre and the Parc de Sculptures Monumentales in Teillé-Mouzeil.
An eclectic international program
With many strings to his harp, once again surprising concerts are offered with some 100 artists (professionals and amateurs) of 10 different nationalities, an ideal musical melting pot for 4 days… Laurent Voulzy and Naomi Greene on the harp and Michel Amsellem on the keyboard; Yannick Essono Ndong and his sacred harp from Gabon; Yofre Brito and Leo Rondon on the rhythms of Colombia; a duo from Japan with harp, flute and vocals; Chantal Mathieu for a master call at the Château d'Ancenis-Saint-Géréon, Chocho Cannelle, a French jazz quartet with mixed influences… enough to seduce music lovers and amateurs of all ages!
The classical and contemporary harp
Four renowned female artists, four different trajectories, discovering and falling in love with the classical harp! A romantic program in the historic places of the Pays d'Ancenis with Chantal Mathieu and Alexandra Bidi, while the harp will meet the animal world with two surprising programs: a riding lesson accompanied by the sound of a harp with Adeline de Preissac, Margot Passefort (rider) and Eléonore Seguin (actress) in a special open-air location and the concert "La Harpe et la Bête" proposed by Isabelle Moretti, face to face with the photos of Vincent Munier. The creation for augmented harp designed by Ghislaine Petit Volta, Arnaud Petit and James Leonard in collaboration with Les Harpes Camac will offer the public a unique sound experience at the end of the festival on Sunday!
The harps of the world
Thanks to the international artists hosted by the festival, amateurs and enthusiasts will be able to escape to the four corners of the world and immerse themselves in different musical cultures! A packed program with... Yannick Essonno Ndong and his sacred harp from Gabon, Aung Pyae Sone and his Burmese harp, Suvi Eevi Karhu and her Finnish harp (kantele), Yofre Brito and Leo Rondon with the rhythms of the Ilanera harp and the cuatro and the group Phoenix taking us on an Irish escapade.
The harp Celtic
The Celtic harp is so handy that it had its own repertoire when it was the instrument of traveling musicians. It is widely used in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Galicia, where it is a huge success! It will be in the spotlight during the third edition of the festival, thanks in particular to French artists Morgane Le Cuff, Tristan le Govic, and Mariannig Larc'hantec, the festival's patron.
Variety, French song, poetry and slam
French song is highlighted thanks to Laurent Voulzy's tour of churches and cathedrals across France, accompanied by Naomi Greene and Michel Amsellem. We will also discover Cristine Merienne, who will blend theater and song, while Les Harpenteurs will perform a range combining harp and slam.
The electro harp
The public will enjoy a festive break with an electro atmosphere at the Théâtre de Verdure in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon with a view of the Loire, in the company of the Bruderschaft Association and M'Michèle.
The harp and jazz
It's happening at the Ursuline Chapel in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon with the magnificent Chocho Cannelle quartet to delight jazz lovers with two evenings.
The programming is completed by surprising shows with crossed disciplines such as "Harp and Horse", "The Harp and the Beast", "Harps and Dance", "Harp and Tale", as well as ensemble concerts such as the Ensemble Borealys from Quebec, Nomamis Harps Ensemble from Taiwan, the Ensemble Telenn Gang from Brittany, the Yakinton Ensemble from Israel and Tu Dublin Harp Ensemble from Ireland.
Programming and practical information can be found at www.harpesaumax.com or on Facebook @harpeaumax
André Tirlet
