Numerous events, efficient associations
It's a fact: the Cergy-Pontoise agglomeration is the setting for an intense cultural bubbling, in which music plays a large part. Among the most important events, those dedicated to classical music are numerous. The Pontoise Baroque Festival aims to bring this classical musical style, paradoxically little known, to life by opening it up to other horizons, eras and cultures. When it was created in 1986 by the association which was then called "Les amis de l'orgue Notre-Dame" (and whose name is now the eponym of the festival), this event was composed of a few concerts. Today, it offers many musical moments during weekends in October, and twice a month from November to June. Finally, the festival takes under its wing artists in residence. Another major event: Piano Campus. The event, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, offers numerous concerts in the heart of winter, and an international competition whose reputation is well established, allowing the talents of tomorrow to show the extent of their know-how in the field.
In another style, the festival Jazz au fil de l'Oise is also a must. This one, which is held in many towns of the agglomeration, takes place from October to December. It has become a reference in the field and welcomes the best jazz musicians and singers. For those who like more unexpected events, the No Mad Festival invites every year artists from far away, who offer music that will allow you to make nice discoveries, while opening your hearts and your enthusiasm to other sounds.
Let's face it: if the proximity of the capital could make the territory a forgotten space for the big tours of national or international artists, it is not the case here. Many musicians, singers or groups stop by the area, fully aware of the potential in terms of dedicated spaces. In the same way, very active, the local associations compete of ingenuity - and work - to allow these events to propose these moments.
In parallel, the offer in terms of shows is also very important: thus the National Stage of Cergy-Pontoise, called Points Communs, resulting from the fusion of two pre-existing stages, the Apostrophe and the Theatre 95, proposes numerous theatrical, dance and even circus performances.Efficient and modern structures
Whether you wish to learn music or simply listen to it as a spectator, the choice of possibilities is vast. Thus, amateurs wishing to discover - or improve their skills - can join the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Cergy-Pontoise. For the youngest, an introductory course in music and dance is offered from the age of 5, and introductory courses for 6 year olds are available. Beyond that, the ensemble offers diploma courses, a creative center, various classes with special timetables and "orchestra classes", which benefit nearly 450 local high school students. Right next to the Conservatory, the Maison des Arts offers a wide range of books in its media library, which covers many aspects of the arts and cultures in addition to music.
If learning music is easy here, listening to it in a high-performance facility is just as easy. Thus, there is no shortage of rooms and spaces that can accommodate your musical moments. The Dôme de Pontoise, for example, a mythical hall inaugurated in 1913 (and redesigned many times since), has a modular performance space of 450 m², whose very popular program also includes many comedy, theater and stand-up shows, for example. As mentioned earlier, the national stage of Cergy-Pontoise has two quality spaces under the name "Points Communs": the first is the Théâtre 95, in Cergy, with two halls. The second is the Théâtre des Louvrais, a splendid venue with more than 500 seats, which is a dedicated showcase for performances ranging from circus to theater, as well as many other disciplines.
The latest venue in the region, the Douze, is already popular with an audience that is mainly interested in contemporary music. Inaugurated at the end of 2021 after nearly three years of work, it is located in the Saint-Christophe district of Cergy, and its state-of-the-art facilities offer a wide range of possibilities. With a capacity of 1,500 people standing (the largest in the Val-d'Oise!) and 800 seated spectators, it has a removable stage, retractable seating areas and, above all, state-of-the-art technical facilities. A few weeks after its opening, the Douze has already welcomed countless references: L.E.J, Lilly Wood and the Prick or the Bronx Drummers. Finally, it is worth noting that the city's music school has logically found its place here, in brand new premises.
In Vauréal, the Forum welcomes more than 15,000 spectators each year. The venue, run by a very dynamic team, specializes in contemporary music: a lot of rock and pop make up the programming matrix of a very convivial space, which also welcomes artists in residence. As other examples, l'Imprévu - the cultural center of Saint-Ouen l'Aumône - and the cultural center of Jouy-le-Moutier give rhythm to the cultural life by means of a rich programming: the spectacles follow one another in many disciplines, whether it is theater, humor, acrobatics, dance (classical or contemporary), which constitute the essential of the offers, with some musical spectacles.
Finally, the religious heritage is also put to good use, as during the Pontoise baroque festival, which offers concerts at the Maubuisson abbey, the Saint-Christophe church in Cergy or in the Saint-Maclou cathedral for example. You will have understood: here, every place is used to play or listen to music.
