Founded by the famous cellist and historical figure, the Pablo Casals festival is one of the busiest times of the season in Conflent, at the heart of the Canigou mountains, and a must-see for lovers of chamber music. As well as bringing together some wonderful artists, concerts take place in jewels of heritage such as the Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou or the Abbey of St. Michel de Cuixà.
Each year the Festival welcomes internationally renowned soloists. Additionally, as well as being without doubt one of the oldest existing festivals, it is also one of the most innovative in the search for new repertoires and talent.
Every year, there is an original itinerary of classical and contemporary chamber music with 40 to 45 events around a theme: 35 concerts, usually at 9.00pm in the Romanesque Abbey of St. Michel de Duixa for the exceptional acoustics, two to three concerts at 9.00pm in the Eglise de Prades, which has the largest altarpiece in France, 10 concerts at 5.30pm in the churches of Conflent and nine student concerts. There are also three to four conferences: meetings with composers such as Krzysztof Penderecky and personalities such as Hubert Reeves (astrophysicist), Harry Halbreich (musicologist), etc.
