In the Graves appellation, music is served by the glass

The ‘Musical Grand Crus’ and ‘Musical Encounters’, held in the heart of the Graves vineyard, offer enthusiasts a taste of chamber music in the châteaux.

Renaud the violinist and Gautier the cellist form the duo « les deux Capuçons » currently performing at Château d’Yquem. PHOTO DR So

The « Estives de Musique », a series of Summer concerts dedicated to international competition laureates and held in the heart of the Médoc vineyards, concluded this evening with the Raphaël Quartet. This group of young musicians, who were recently awarded second prize in the Bordeaux competition, were playing at Château Lafon-Rochet, in Sainte-Estèphe. Also on the menu this evening, for the Musical Grand Crus, were actress Macha Méril and pianist Marc Laforêt, who recounted the love story between George Sand and Chopin at Château Smith Haut-Lafitte in Martillac. From Pape Clément to Yquem, and Kirwan – a new venue for the series, The festival, which offers musical evenings in some of the most famous wine estates of Bordeaux - from Pape Clément to Yquem, and Kirwan (a new venue for the series), continues until the 23rd of July.

In addition, the Musical Encounters of Graves are due to start on the 16th July, with a series of ten or so concerts in the appellation’s châteaux, including the very popular venue of Smith Haut-Lafitte. In short, in the Gironde region, the music festival tours travel inevitably down the wine roads. And the châteaux are happy to supply a reception room or to convert a vat room into a concert hall for the occasion. Even when space is limited, there is always room for chamber music.

Tasting included

An additional selling point : the concerts are often followed by a tasting which is included in the ticket price. The Musical Encounters in the heart of Graves have used this added attraction in their promotional posters : “Taste the music, admire the wine, breath in the atmosphere of the great châteaux”. Sometimes the estate owners themselves pour the glasses. Very chic.

That said, there is no obligation to taste if you just want to enjoy the music at the château. The Musical Grand Crus specialize in lining up top billing French musicians. Renaud and Gautier Capuçon, who are so in demand for Summer festivals that it is rare to see them performing together, will both be at Yquem on the 21st July (sold out). Other lucky ticket holders at Château Pape Clément will be able to enjoy listening to pianist Caroline Sageman, who has made her name playing Chopin, or to the radiant soprano, Magali Léger (both concerts are sold out).

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, who is at home with both Massenet and contempory music, will be playing Debussy and more at Château Lascombes on July 15th.

The musical choice in Graves is certainly eclectic, with a tango evening on the 16th July at Château Gravas (Barsac), the wind quintet ‘Cinque Elementi’ performing Mozart (20th July at Château Bouscaut in Cadaujac), ‘Belle Epoque’ rhythms (27th July in Portets), soloists of the prestigious Mariinski theatre of Saint Petersburg, who will be playing pieces from young French and Russian composers on the 24th July at Château Rochemorin and on the 28th at Château Smith Haut-Lafitte.

Complete programmes are available on the following websites : www.grandscrusmusicaux.com and www.musiqueengraves.com

Author:C.Darfay

photo So :DR

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