Created in 2015 by Stradivaria – Orchestre baroque de Nantes, the International Early Music Competition in Loire Valley is a biennial competition dedicated to instrumental ensembles, performing 17th and 18th centuries’ repertoire on period instruments. Its aim is to promote ensembles of young musicians who specialise in this particular repertoire.

At the invitation of Daniel Cuiller, Artistic Director at Stradivaria – Ensemble baroque de Nantes, every year, international and French personalities recognized on the early music scene figure among the jury. Programmers, researchers, directors of early music departments, artists, journalists… Up to now, William Christie, Founder and Artistic Director of Les Arts Florissants chairs the jury.

Financially aided from its first edition in 2015 by the Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire, the City of Nantes and the City of Angers, this unique event in France takes place at the Graslin Theater in Nantes and at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.

This competition aims at young musicians under 30 years old. It attracts by its unique educational goal allowing young musicians to be spotted, to start a career, and engage a new audience. The competition ambition is to become a tool to facilitate exchange and knowledge transmission between generations.

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Stradivaria and Anacréon wish to create a springboard dedicated to instrumental music only, excluding any vocal practice, thus guaranteeing its singularity.

Application and further reading:

https://www.international-early-music-competition.com/candidature-formulaire?lang=en