Dear European colleagues,

I am very pleased to inform you about the scheduling of a new session of the ”Rencontres à Cordes” in 2026-27, intended for string students in higher music education. After the first two editions, which brought together 7 French institutions to everyone’s satisfaction, we would like to open this project to European partner institutions, as part of a Blended Intensive Erasmus+ project (BIP). The title of the BIP will be ”European String Encounters/Rencontres à Cordes européennes.”

The idea of the project is to bring together one string quartet (vl1, vL2, vla, vlc) from each higher education institution, in France and in European partner institutions. The combined quartets will form a unique string ensemble for one week in Paris, to work together on a concert program.

The overall program is still being finalized, but here are the main points as of today:

Dates: from January 4 to 9, 2027, in Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt, including two concerts. 

Arrival in Paris on January 4, 2027, departure from Paris on January 10, 2027 

Artistic Director: Xavier Gagnepain 

Preliminary program: 

• Anton Webern: Langsamer Satz 

• Ludwig van Beethoven: Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 (orchestrated by Gustav Mahler) 

• A contemporary piece, possibly with a soloist, to be confirmed 

A meeting with a representative of the professional music area will be scheduled during the session, on January 7, 2027

One or more online meetings (virtual module) will be organized to prepare for the in-person sessions

The main language of instruction will be English. French will also be used as a second language.

Number of ECTS credits awarded: 3

You will find the programs for sessions #1 (2024/2025) and #2 (2025/2026) below, and you can read a presentation of the ”Rencontres à Cordes” #2 project via the link below.

Rencontres à cordes sur Vimeo

The transportation and accommodation of European participants will be covered by the sending institution through the allocation of the grant for the short blended Erasmus+ mobility, linked to the BIP. The PSPBB will make a preliminary reservation for the accommodation, with prices ranging between €65 and €80 per night per person depending on the type of apartment. Students will be responsible for their meals. The PSPBB will organize one shared meal and will provide catering for the rehearsals’ workdays.

We would be delighted to receive applications from your already established quartets or those assembled for the occasion. Four spots will be reserved for quartets coming from European institutions. In the event that the number of applicants exceeds this quota, we will organize a selection based on video recordings. Your general expression of interest in the project is expected before March 31, 2026. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

We would be very happy to count you among our partners for this project! 

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information. 

With my thanks for your attention, 

Yours sincerely,

Claude GEORGEL

Director

Ania Sergueeva
Responsable des relations internationales/

Head of international relations

Pôle supérieur d’enseignement artistique
Paris – Boulogne-Billancourt
18 rue Janssen 75019 Paris

+33 (0)1 40 55 59 58

e-mail : international@pspbb.fr