The 27th Rencontres Musicales de Méditerranée in Corsica brings together musicians from seven countries, emphasizing youth engagement and cultural exchange through 31 concerts across the island.
Event returns to Corsica
From 2 to 7 November, the Rencontres Musicales de Méditerranée will return to Corsica for its 27th edition, featuring over a hundred young musicians from seven countries and eight ensembles. Locations and participation
The event will take place across multiple communes, including Bastia, L'Île-Rousse, Bonifacio, Corte, Ghisonaccia, Folelli, and Belgodère, with concerts, meetings, and cultural exchanges. Leadership and planning
Georges De Zerbi, president of the Rencontres, announced the 2026 edition alongside Mattea Lacave, deputy mayor of Bastia in charge of culture, and Pasquale Castellani, the delegate for Corsican language and culture. Concerts and accessibility
The event will feature 31 concerts, 13 of which will be free to the public, and 18 aimed at schoolchildren, highlighting the focus on youth engagement and cultural education. Italy as guest of honor
Italy will be the guest of honor, chosen for its strong cultural ties with Corsica and its music conservatories in Milan and Lucca. Other participating countries include Algeria, Egypt, Spain, France, Morocco, and Portugal. Logistical arrangements
Due to visa challenges, some musicians from the Maghreb countries will be based in France. All groups will stay in the same hotel to encourage interaction and support the local economy. Concert locations and highlights
Concerts will take place in schools, associations, and EHPADs, with an opening concert at the Alb'Oru on 2 November and a closing concert on 7 November featuring musicians from the seven invited countries and Corsican artists. Traditional music conference
A conference on traditional singing will be held at the central library of Bastia on 6 November, emphasizing the preservation and sharing of musical heritage. Event poster and design
The event's poster, designed by Dominique Ceccaldi, highlights Italy's city-states, reflecting the guest of honor's cultural significance. Participating ensembles
Several ensembles will participate, including Algeria's Saba orchestra, Egypt's Mina Ghobrial and Yannic Seddiki, and Italy's Conservatory of music Luigi Boccherini of Lucca and Conservatory of music Giuseppe Verdi of Milan. Corsican participation
Corsican ensembles such as the Conservatory of Music Henri Tomasi of Corsica and groups like A Ricuccata and Eppò will also perform, with Eppò's song "Core Timpesta" having closed the previous edition.
