Royan Festival


The Royan Festival was held in Royan, in the department of Charente-Maritime in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwest France from 1964 to 1977. It was a multi-disciplinary annual event, bringing together:
Created in 1963 by Dr. Bernard Gachet, the festival was primarily focused on contemporary music. Its artistic director was Claude Samuel from 1964 to 1972 then Harry Halbreich from 1973 to 1977. The festival was held annually for one week around Easter. Soon, its musical production, the Festival de Royan became as famous as those of Donaueschingen and Venice.
The Olivier Messiaen international piano competition was part of the festival until 1971. In 1972, it was replaced by a flute competition.

Publishing and principal creations

1966

Triad of Gilbert AmyInterference of Paul MéfanoDe Natura Sonoris of Krzysztof PendereckiTerretektorh of Iannis Xenakis

1967

Archipelago I by André Boucourechliev

1968

Trajectoires by Gilbert AmyLe Temps restitué by Jean BarraquéLines by Paul MéfanoImaginario II by Luis de PabloPunkte by Karlheinz StockhausenSolo by Franco DonatoniNuits by Iannis Xenakis

1969

Sinfonia by BerioArchipelago II by BoucourechlievPolychrome Reliefs by Jean-Pierre GuézecQuadrivium by Bruno MadernaNomos Gamma by Xenakis

1970

Cette étoile enseigne à s'incliner by Gilbert AmyArchipelago IV by André BoucourechlievFourteen Stations by Marius ConstantCeremony II by Pierre HenryHolidays Symphony by Charles IvesThe Ceremony by Paul Méfano

1971

The theme this year was the contemporary music of Eastern Europe.Schichten, by Carlos Roqué AlsinaAustrahlungen, by Vinko GlobokarScreen, by Anatol Vieru
It was also the year that created the international exhibition of photographic research.

1972

The edition was devoted mainly to the "younger generation".Ludwig Van by Mauricio KagelMadrigal by Paul Méfano

1973

Solo by Franco DonatoniIsoritmi by Giuseppe Sinopoli

1974

That year, no fewer than 49 composers are found in Royan, 18 different nationalities. Cent creations will be produced during a week.Clocks and Clouds by György Ligeti

1975

1976

  • Requiem Hashshirim by Giuseppe Sinopoli NDR Chorale
  • Waves of Paul Méfano ;
  • Ecce Opus by Francisco Guerrero ;
  • Cello Concerto by Cristobal Halffter ;
  • Cello Concerto in Isang Yun ;
  • III intervals of Boesmans ;
  • Sinfonie of Friedrich Cerha.

1977

The Storm and Erewhon by Hugues Dufourt