Program from April 17 to 19

This program highlights the expressiveness and technical versatility of the mandolin and mandola: from Bach’s Baroque concerto to Mozart’s classical duet, from Handel’s inspired Passacaglia to the modern creations of Giuseppe Milanesi and Vincent Beer-Demander, this program at the crossroads of past and present reveals the mandolin and mandola as instruments of remarkable depth, capable of reviving centuries of music with fresh vitality.

Being a composer today means questioning the creator’s place in an ever-changing musical landscape. Alain Fourchotte, a major figure in contemporary creation, defends the idea that the music of the XXIᵉ century is part of a living tradition, nourished by influences, heritages and transmissions. He will also talk about the challenges facing every composer: being published, finding performers, existing in a highly competitive cultural environment, etc. During this musically illustrated talk, he will also present his new work for solo mandolin: Empreintes. The work is dedicated to Sabine Marzé, whose artistic demands and interpretive finesse accompanied the writing of the piece, inspired by the world of Japanese composer Yasuo Kuwahara…

This exceptional evening will be entirely dedicated to the concerto genre, where virtuosity and emotion meet in a unique relationship between soloist and ensemble. Originating in the Baroque tradition, the concerto highlights the subtle confrontation between the individual voice of the soloist and the harmonic richness of the orchestra.
From the luminous refinement of Barbella and Pergolesi, who imposed the mandolin as a concertante instrument, to Armin Kaufmann’s Concertino, a XXᵉ century work where the dialogue between soloists and orchestra reaches a fascinating inventiveness, to Philippe Loli’s contemporary creations and the Brazilian colors of Hamilton de Holanda and Radamés Gnattali: each piece illustrates the expressive power of the genre. A captivating journey through centuries, styles and sounds, in which the mandolin reveals all its poetry, its communicative energy and its role as a soloist in its own right in musical history.

Transmission has always been part of FIMAC’s DNA. This year’s master class, led by Gertrud Weyhofen, offers a unique opportunity to take a look at young musicians in the midst of their apprenticeship. Under the guidance of this great teacher, they explore and perfect their art, confront their ideas and interpretations, and learn to dialogue with their peers. Passion, creativity and technique come together, revealing the students’ efforts and progress. It’s an inspiring experience for the audience, and a memorable one for the participants.

From the outset, FIMAC has made it a point of honor to unearth and promote the talents of tomorrow. The “Jeunes talents” concert, now a not-to-be-missed event at the festival, highlights the virtuosity, sensitivity and musical personality
of promising young artists. Through a varied repertoire, these young musicians will offer audiences a performance full of emotion, passion and technical mastery. This concert is a rare opportunity to see the new generation of mandolinists blossom, in a context that combines tradition and innovation, while appreciating the richness and diversity of musical styles and writing. An unmissable event for music lovers and new discoveries!

Discover the vibrant soul of Latin America through the spellbinding melodies of this unique instrumental trio. The original alliance of violin, bandolim and double bass creates unprecedented sounds, revisiting Latin American musical treasures with passion and creativity. Between traditional repertoire and contemporary creations, between classical music, folklore and improvisation, Trio Escualo takes us on a fascinating sonic journey, from Argentinean rhythms to Mexican colors. Each note becomes a story, each chord an emotion, weaving a universe where strings interact with intensity and subtlety. Let yourself be carried away by this deeply immersive and unforgettable musical experience.

Immerse yourself in the art of lutherie with this exhibition dedicated to mandolins and mandoles. Through the finesse of the wood, the precision of the shapes and the beauty of the finishes, each instrument reveals the know-how and passion that drive luthiers, who are both craftsmen and artists. The exhibition offers an opportunity to discover the wealth of manufacturing techniques, the different models and the delicacy required to make each instrument an extension of the musician’s voice.