Lumières d'Europe - Academy and music chamber festival

LUMIÈRES
D'EUROPE

Broadening horizons through music and knowledge

In 2021, David Grimal created Lumières d’Europe, a project offering a transversal approach to teaching by linking music with literature, history of thought, philosophy, and sciences. The aim is to reconnect music with its broader historical, social, political, and scientific context, in the spirit of the Enlightenment. Lumières d’Europe takes place in many European countries, and invites young talents on the path to becoming professionals to engage with these fields.

Each session places equal importance on two central aspects: chamber music practice and its connexion with concepts from other fields such as literature, philosophy, history, and science.

Internationally renowned musicians, along with a composer in residence, rehearse and perform with 15 young talents selected from across Europe, creating an ideal setting for musical exchange. Simultaneously, invited scientists lead lectures and discussions on a variety of themes linked to the session, offering fresh perspectives that enrich both the musical and intellectual experience of the participants.

Next session in Bucharest, September 2025

The next Lumières d’Europe session will take place from September 1st to 10th, 2025, during the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest, Romania. Themed “Resistance and Freedom”, this event will feature distinguished artists such as the pianist Itamar Golan, the violonist David Grimal, the violist Natacha Tchitch and the cellist Torleif Thedéen, accompagnied by César Viana as composer-in-residence. Philosopher Paul Audi will deliver lectures on “Creation and Freedom” complemented by additional conferences. The session will focus on works by Shostakovich, Messiaen, Pártos, Schnittke, Schulhoff, and Weinberg.

Click here to find out more about this session

« As young musicians, Lumières d’Europe requires from us not just a very high level of music making but also the capacity of being open to new ideas and especially towards people, encouraging us to explore music and our own creativity in an unique way. I strongly encourage young aspiring musicians to apply for the next sessions without hesitation and embark on a tremendous adventure. »

« It was a fantastic experience. I can only encourage everyone to sign up and be enriched in this way. Sharing the stage with artists like David, Anne and Philippe is a great source of inspiration and motivation. »

« The academy is a wonderful place! I listened and learned. Thank you! »

« The Lumières d'Europe festival is for me much more than a music festival. It reminded me of my place as a musician and my purpose as an artist in the world. A festival whose objective is to try to bring young musicians “enlightenment” and inspiration not only from music but from all areas of life that make us part of this world. »

« My experience at Lumières d'Europe was life changing. It is intense, inspiring, challenging, teaching and I met the most amazing group of people one can hope to be surrounded by. »

« Lumières d'Europe is one of the best musical experiences I ever had. It enlightened my perspectives both musically and personally regarding the current world in which we, young musicians, will carry out our artistic activity. The days spent with all the incredible people gave impetus to the beginning of a musical life that, before Lumières, I considered utopian. »

« Lumière d'Europe is an artistic meeting point connecting many musical influences and visions. Taking part in Lumière d'Europe is an enriching and unforgettable experience that I absolutely recommend! »

« One word: vitality! Lumieres d'Europe was the best time to regain the life in myself and find anew what I was lacking in my environment: the miracle of life itself, expressed especially in music, but also in other important areas of our existence on this planet. »