FRANCIS POULENC ACADEMY
2025 Edition

The 29th edition, dedicated to melodies composed on poems by Rilke, and to the melodies of Georges Bizet (1838-1875) and Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) will take place from August 18 to 28, 2025.

SINCE 1997 IN TOURS, AT THE END OF AUGUST, IT IS THE ONLY COURSE DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO FRENCH MELODY IN THE WORLD, ADDRESSING ALL ASPECTS OF ITS INTERPRETATION.

Some Words
About the Academy

The academy offers a masterclass of a maximum of 12 singer-pianist duos, in-depth work on melody, both from the musical side and from the literary side, over ten days of joint work, with 10 teachers.
A different general theme is addressed each year. Associated with it are concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, conferences, cultural visits (castles, museums).

The Francis Poulenc Academy strives to transmit all the skills involved in the interpretation of French melody by addressing both musical and literary aspects. It is also a place for disseminating this subtle art through its concerts, as well as for the creation and interpretation of contemporary melodies. Finally, it maintains and develops a network of relationships and exchanges with emblematic musical institutions on an international level.

The interpretation seminar of the Francis Poulenc Academy, created more than 26 years ago, has become a real reference in the very specific field of the interpretation of French melody, by offering young French or foreign artists, professionals or in the process of professionalization, a unique internship in its form and content. You will be able to perfect, or sometimes discover, all the aspects of this subtle art that is French melody, through a varied high-level program, through interpretation courses and meetings, through the concerts in which you will participate.

Our Team

Come discover the expertise and passion of our dedicated teaching team.
Each of our instructors is carefully selected to share not only their exceptional skills, but also their deep love of music.

Francois Le Roux

Artistic director, Baritone,
Voice teacher

Anne Constantin

Soprano, Voice teacher

Olivier Godin

Pianist, Teacher

Jeff Cohen

Pianist, Teacher

Christine Sammer

F.M. Alexander Technique Instructor

Laurence Schifrine

F.M. Alexander Technique Instructor

Vincent Vittoz

Stage director, Actor, Acting coach

Thomas Le Colleter

Literature Professor, Poetry Analysis

Frédérique Vézina

Soprano, Voice teacher, Co-director of the Francis Poulenc Academy and of the France-Canada Academy of Vocal Arts (FCAVA)

Nathalie Paulin

Soprano, Voice Teacher, Co-Director of the France-Canada Academy of Vocal Arts (FCAVA)

The 29th Academy

The 29th Academy will take place from August 18 to 28 at the CRR Francis Poulenc, we invite you to dive into the heart of the melodies composed on poems by Rilke and composers Bizet and Ravel. This will be an opportunity to discover and explore these emblematic musical works during captivating concerts and enriching conferences.

On the program, three major concerts:

Opening concert on the evening of August 19 at the CRR Auditorium, with a renowned guest artist, around works by Bizet and Ravel.
The first concert of young talents, highlighting the academy’s students, will be held on August 23 at the same venue.
Finally, don’t miss the closing concert on August 28 at the Saint-Prix Church in Noizay, offering a memorable evening.

In addition, a fascinating conference hosted by Thomas Le Colleter on « Rilke and music » will take place on August 18 at the CRR, as well as an exceptional screening of the film « Carmen » by Francesco Rosi on August 26 at the Cinémas Studio.

You have the opportunity to participate in the academy as a student, a registered auditor, or simply by attending concerts and public masterclass.

Consult the program to discover all the events and join us for this unforgettable musical experience.

Access events

Summer Academy Timetable

Sunday August 17

Welcome!

Dinner and introductions will take place at the Hameau St-Michel

Monday August 18

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Le Colleter literary conference

CRR Auditorium, 6 pm

Tuesday August 19

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Opening concert with guest artist

CRR Auditorium, 8 pm 

Wednesday August 20

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Informal Community Concert at the Hameau

Giving back to the Hameau St-Michel, a refuge to those in need, and generous host to Academy interns for many years. 

Thursday August 21

Free time

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Friday August 22

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Saturday August 23

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Rehearsal for the concert

Concert des Talents

Sunday August 24

Group excursion to one of the popular Châteaux de la Loire

Visit the castles of the Loire, explore architectural gems and testimonies of history.

Monday August 25

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Tuesday August 26

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Movie Night

Francesco Rosi’s Carmen 

Wednesday August 27

Private lessons (Up to three lessons daily)

Lessons with teachers in voice, collaborative piano, acting and stage craft, poetry analysis and F.M. Alexander Method.

Masterclass

Masterclass led by our teachers, offering an exceptional learning opportunity.

Rehearsal for the concert

Thursday August 28

Rehearsal for the concert

Group visit to Francis Poulenc’s home in Noizay

Preparing for
the final concert

Final Concert

Life at the Academy

A past that inspires

Explore the cobbled streets and monuments steeped in history that bear witness to the imprint of the past on this charming city. In the heart of the Loire Valley and rich in the imprint of its history, Tours is a city whose charm is the sensitive expression of its historical heritage and its quality of life.

Life on the banks of the Loire

Crossed by the Loire, it reveals a smiling and lively sweetness, from its center to the oldest districts. Immerse yourself in the peaceful and lively atmosphere of the banks of the Loire, where life is in full swing.

A range of cultural activities

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the city with its festivals and artistic events, its markets, its gastronomy, its shops adding to its liveliness. Between history, culture, nature and vitality, Tours is a very attractive city.

Explore your passion with our Academy! Personalized music lessons from talented artists to perfect your craft.
Join us !

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