Générations Ravel : three concerts celebrating the passing on of musical heritage
Bringing together renowned artists and emerging talents on the same stage: this is the very essence of the Festival Ravel 2026’s « Générations Ravel » concert series.
Across three concerts, the Festival highlights the dialogue between generations of composers and performers. The soloists of the Académie Ravel, young musicians at the start of what promise to be outstanding careers, share the stage with internationally renowned artists. Together, they bring to life the spirit of musical transmission that was so dear to Maurice Ravel.
From Manuel de Falla to José María Sánchez-Verdú, from Frédéric Chopin to Ramon Lazkano, from Ricardo Viñes to the Académie Ravel soloists, this concert series celebrates the richness of musical heritage and artistic dialogue through three original concerts presented as part of this Iberian edition of the Festival.
The Académie Ravel soloists at the heart of the project
At the heart of this concert series, the Académie Ravel soloists embody this meeting of generations. In each concert, they share the stage with guest artists, bringing to life the connections that unite the composers of yesterday and today.
Each programme offers a different perspective on musical transmission: between master musicians and emerging performers, between established repertoire and contemporary creations, and between musical influences and artistic lineage.
Three concerts to discover
Ricardo Viñes © DR
Ricardo Viñes : the piano “Belle Époque”
Saturday, August 29 at 4 pm
Salle Tanka – Saint-Jean-de-Luz
With Bertrand Chamayou, Jean-François Heisser and the Académie Ravel soloists: Anselme Cho, Salome Jordania, Shinyoung Lee, Elodie Sigrist, Tabea Streicher and Yundi Xu.
A key figure in Ravel’s world, the Spanish pianist Ricardo Viñes was one of the great ambassadors of the music of his time. Around his legacy come together three generations of pianists: the Académie Ravel soloists, Bertrand Chamayou and Jean-François Heisser.
A concert dedicated to musical transmission, discovery, and pianistic excellence.
The concert is preceded by the lecture Maurice Ravel and Ricardo Viñes: Glimpses of a Friendship, presented by Màrius Bernadó.
Concert and lecture included in the 100 % Piano Pass.
Frédéric Chopin © Louis-Auguste Bisson
Chopin in Valldemossa
Monday, August 31 at 8 pm
Église Saint-Vincent – Urrugne
With Yulianna Avdeeva, Alphonse Cemin, Bertrand Chavarria-Aldrete, Maria Zubimendi and the Académie Ravel soloists: Claudia Sánchez Corral, Rafael Esparrell, Marie-Aude Melliès, Raphael Masters, Mathilde Reuzé and Salome Jordania.
Between Frédéric Chopin and Ramon Lazkano, a dialogue unfolds around the art of the prelude. Inspired by the 24 Preludes, Op. 28 by the polish master, composed in Valldemossa, the basque composer offers a contemporary reinterpretation, a play of “antagonistic mirrors”.
This musical lineage is brought to life on stage by nine artists, including the pianist Yulianna Avdeeva and six soloists from the Académie Ravel, under the artistic direction of Alphonse Cemin.
Manuel de Falla © Getty - Bettmann
Manuel de Falla : inspirations and influences
Thursday, September 3 at 5 pm
CIAP Les Récollets – Ciboure
With Benjamin Alard, Gabriel Pidoux and the Académie Ravel soloists: Shuyu Yang, Steven Taeyun Han, Hadewych de Vos and Aurélien Fietta.
A leading figure of the harpsichord, Benjamin Alard brings together several centuries of spanish music in dialogue around Manuel de Falla and his famous harpsichord Concerto.
Alongside the Académie Ravel soloists and Gabriel Pidoux, he takes the audience on a journey across generations of composers and performers, between early and contemporary music. A meeting that highlights the inspirations and artistic lineage of the Spanish composer, a leading figure of this 2026 edition.
Concert included in the Manuel de Falla Pass.