What's Playing at Aix-en-Provence Festival 2025?

Aix-en-Provence, France. Summertime. It is mid-morning, and the sun has not yet fully risen. Still you walk on the shaded side of the street, winding past tall, sun bleached buildings with wooden shutters. The street opens out into a square with a fountain; in one corner, a group of men are playing pétanque. You sit at a café and idly watch, drinking the pastis that is cooling and sweet but warms your throat. There are lots of things to do, but you’re in no hurry.

The market is on, and you’d like to wander around, sampling local produce; cheese, wine, meat, bread. You’ll go for a swim during the hottest part of the day. Then there’s the Cézannes you wanted to see at the Musée Granet. He came from Aix; Zola too.

Maybe tonight you’ll have dinner at one of the restaurants on Cours Mirabeau, and watch the world go by. Yes, you will; it’s only a ten-minute walk from Théâtre de l'Archevêché, where you’re seeing an opera. La Calisto. It’s open-air, but the heat of the day will linger, keeping you warm as the stars appear above.

All of that can wait, though. You have the whole day. For now, you sit and you sip your drink, as the men play pétanque, and the sun crawls slowly across the sky.

The Aix-en-Provence Festival combines two things that we love here at Theatre in Paris: Classical music, and Aix-en-Provence. That’s why we’re delighted to present this guide to you, with a few practical tips to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

1. Don Giovanni

Mozart’s Don Giovanni follows the infamous libertine Don Giovanni as he seduces, deceives, and ultimately faces divine retribution. At the 2025 Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Robert Icke’s fresh vision of the opera will bring a new psychological depth to the story. Under the conduction of Sir Simon Rattle, the production will highlight the tension between Giovanni’s charisma and his inevitable downfall, supported by a stellar cast, including Andrè Schuen (Don Giovanni), Golda Schultz (Donna Anna), and Magdalena Kožená (Donna Elvira).

A note from Theatre in Paris:

This production is renowned English director Robert Icke’s operatic debut. Famed for his work on Uncle Vanya (2016) and Hamlet starring Andrew Scott (2017), he has a knack of handling the psychological depth of classical works whilst making them bold and gustily modern. His first foray into opera is surely unmissable.

2. Louise

Charpentier’s eponymous Louise is a young seamstress living under the strict rule of her parents in Paris during the Belle Époque. When she falls in love with Julien, an idealistic poet who promises her a chance to escape and love without constraint, she finds herself split between her desire for freedom and her love of her family. Often described as a ‘musical novel’, Elsa Dreisig’s performance is sensitive and powerful. The production is directed by Christof Loy, one of the great names in contemporary opera. Loy has opted for a pared-down interpretation of this immensely lyrical score.

A note from Theatre in Paris:

As previously mentioned, Théâtre de l'Archevêché is open-air, but summer nights are warm in Provence. The extra cautious can bring a jumper, which will inevitably be used instead as an extra cushion! Only twenty minutes walk from the train station and ten from Cours Mirabeau, you’ll have plenty of time to explore during the day.

3. Jakub Jósef Orliński Récital

Update: this show has sold out!

Only 34 years of age, Jakub Jósef Orliński is a rising star. His voice is divine and he has an incredible charm. Accompanied by his regular pianist, Michał Biel, he will perform a programme combining Baroque arias and Polish melodies, a repertoire that is particularly close to his heart. Together, they will explore a range of moods and emotions, oscillating between serenity, humour and nostalgia. The festival is also close to his heart; he was first revealed there in 2017. It's an evening of pure joy, as the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence knows how to offer year after year.

A note from Theatre in Paris:

If you’d like somewhere to eat afterwards, why not try Chez Ama? You’ll find that you love Ethiopian food: one member of our office ate there four times in two months! Ama herself comes around with the menu, talking you through the options. The meal is very social; you are presented with a big sharer plate covered in flatbread with salad and dhal piled on top, amongst bowls of curry. These dishes are traditionally eaten with the dominant hand, although if you’re not feeling that adventurous, cutlery is always available!

4. La Calisto

Inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, Francesco Cavalli’s La Calisto follows the nymph Calisto, who, after being deceived by Jupiter disguised as Diana, incurs the wrath of Juno. In a parallel story, the shepherd Endimione pines for the real Diana, creating a dynamic of unrequited love and celestial intrigue. Blending tragedy and comedy, the opera explores shifting identities and divine whims, with comic relief provided by characters like Satirino and Linfea. At the 2025 Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, this timeless opera promises to captivate audiences under at the picturesque Théâtre de l’Archevêché.

A note from Theatre in Paris:

Be sure to plan a day trip to the Calanques - you’re in for a treat! These dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves are a nature lover’s paradise. To get there by public transport, take a bus from Aix to Marseille and then hop on the local bus to Cassis or Luminy, both excellent starting points for hikes through the Calanques National Park. If you prefer to drive, the journey takes about an hour, and there’s parking near the entrance to many hiking trails. Don’t miss Calanque d’En-Vau, the most stunning of them all! After your hike, cool off with a swim or relax at a seaside café with fresh seafood and a view of the Mediterranean.

5. Orchestre des Jeunes

The Orchestre des Jeunes de la Méditerranée presents a dynamic and culturally rich performance, combining the talents of youth from all over Mediterranean Europe, and conducted by Evan Rogister. The evening will open with the sweeping grandeur of Wagner’s The Master Singers of Nuremberg overture, showcasing the orchestra’s cohesion and vitality. Soprano Amina Edris will then bring emotional depth to Gounod’s Mireille with the aria “Voici la vaste plaine,” celebrating Provence’s lyrical heritage. Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “Titan” will follow, highlighting the young musicians’ virtuosity through its blend of lyrical beauty and dramatic bursts. The evening will conclude with a collective creation by the orchestra, the Quintet, and Edris, encapsulating the festival’s spirit of innovation and Mediterranean collaboration.

A note from Theatre in Paris:

If you’re looking for somewhere comfortable to stay in Aix, look no further. Le Pigonnet is a luxurious 5-star Provençal gem, offering a heated outdoor pool and terrace dining, just steps from Cours Mirabeau. Grand Hôtel Roi René blends modern chic with private terraces and Nespresso-equipped rooms. La Maison d'Aix, is a restored Belle Époque mansion, with a spa and plunge pool. Les Quatre Dauphins is a converted 19th-century mansion, right in the heart of Aix.

Don’t hesitate… the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence awaits!

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence offers world-class performances and the opportunity to explore Provence. Whether you’re captivated by Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Charpentier’s Louise, or the celestial drama of La Calisto, the festival promises some of the best classical music, set against the backdrop of one of the prettiest towns in France. The festival d’Aix-en-Provence is truly a unique cultural getaway.

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