Established in 1996 in Tours on the initiative of the great baritone and teacher François Le Roux, with the support of the city, the State and local authorities, the Francis Poulenc Academy is more than anything a place of learning, but also of exploration, exchange and creation dedicated to French Mélodie.
Some Words
About the Academy
The Francis Poulenc Academy is dedicated to teaching the full range of skills required to perform French melody, exploring both its musical and literary dimensions. In addition, it acts as a center for the dissemination of this art through concerts.
Within our Academy, we cultivate an environment where exchanges are encouraged and where connections between members of the artistic community are strengthened. Students benefit from personalized support from our teachers, who are committed to sharing their know-how and guiding each student in their musical journey.
Today it is an international reference offering young aspiring artists, singers and pianists from France and around the world, the opportunity to improve in the interpretation of this delicate art which unites the great names of poetry and music . The Academy is considered one of the first in the world in this repertoire, providing very high-level teaching, supervised by renowned professors in exceptional conditions.
Melody is in fact studied in all its dimensions: singing, piano, poetry, composition, interpretation, stage approach as well as postural balance. The resource center, associated with the Academy, brings together more than 30,000 scores for artists and musicologists.
Key Figures
538 +
International Applicants
700 +
Artists Trained
26 +
Artists This Summer
29 +
years of training
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Jean-Pierre Tolochard
VICE PRESIDENT
Christian Lesur
SECRETARY
Catherine de Izarra-Büchting
TREASURER
Jean-Marie Pacqueteau
Partners
Honorary Committee
soprano
ELLY AMELING
composer
KAROL BEFFA
founder of Toulouse Mélodie Française
JEAN-JACQUES CUBAYNES
Pianist
GUSTAV DJUPSJÖBÄCKA
soprano
VÉRONIQUE GENS
composer
PHILIPPE HERSANT
pianist
GRAHAM JOHNSON
soprano
FELICITY LOTT
pianist
ROGER VIGNOLES
pianist
IRWIN GAGE †
Honorary President of the CIMF-ACFP
ROSINE SERINGE †
French Academy
JEAN-PIERRE ANGREMY †
Composer
HENRI DUTILLEUX †
soprano
DENISE DUVAL †
Baritone
JACQUES JANSEN †
Baritone
BERNARD KRUYSEN †
composer & pianist
NOËL LEE †
Founding President of the Francis Poulenc Academy
FRANÇOIS LESURE †
soprano
MADY MESPLÉ †
Founder of the Cleveland Art Song Festival
GEORGE VASSOS †
PREVIOUS PRESIDENT
GERARD CONDÉ
Explore your passion with our Academy! Personalized music lessons from talented artists to perfect your craft. Join us !