The 21st edition of the C’est pas Classique festival will be held from November 7 to 22, 2026, promising to blur the lines between musical genres. Over 25 free concerts will take place in 14 municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes department, aiming to introduce classical music in a new light to a wider audience.
For over twenty years, C’est pas Classique has strived to challenge preconceptions about classical music. The festival fosters unexpected encounters, blending classical repertoire with contemporary creation, large orchestras with more intimate performances, and international artists with local talents. It appeals to both seasoned music lovers and the curious, families, and younger audiences.
This year again, the festival, organized by the Département des Alpes-Maritimes, will tour the region. Antibes, Berre-les-Alpes, Cap-d’Ail, Grasse, La Trinité, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Menton, Nice, Puget-Théniers, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Tende, Tourrette-Levens, and Vence will host the various events.
The 2026 program will surprise with its diversity, uniting Colombian salsa, Bach, Michel Legrand, hip-hop, film music, baroque, and French chanson.
The festival's opening, on November 7 at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, will feature a collaboration between Yuri Buenaventura and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice, conducted by Victor Jacob. This concert, blending Latin rhythms with a symphonic ensemble, will kick off over two weeks of music.
A portion of the program is dedicated to families and young children. On November 14 and 15, at the Espace Laure Écard in Nice, shows, activities, and snacks will introduce children to the world of music and performing arts. Highlights include La Cité Céleste (ages 6+) and UN carnaval – DES animaux ! by the Chœur d’enfants de l’Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur (ages 5+).
The festival will also extend beyond its main program with a Festival off. Screenings, musical performances at the Musée départemental des Merveilles in Tende, musical tales in departmental media libraries, concerts by the Ensemble Baroque de Nice at the Palais Lascaris, the Chœur départemental Seniors des Alpes-Maritimes, and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice in La Trinité will offer diverse musical experiences.
The Département des Alpes-Maritimes, as a primary cultural partner, reaffirms its commitment to promoting access to culture throughout the Maralpin territory. Through a free and diverse cultural offering, the Department is providing over 1,200 free events in 2026 and supporting more than 50 festivals.
