Festival International et Académie

Musique
Cordiale

FAQs

VERSION FRANÇAISE est ICI

(Page under development: please let us know what other questions we should add for you!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where is Musique Cordiale Festival 2023? All event venues are situated in the Var (Department) in ‘Provence’ in S E France (roughly in a triangle area between Grasse, Aix and Saint-Raphael. Concerts take place this year in Seillans, Bagnols-en-Forêt, Mons, Montauroux, Tanneron (all in the ‘Pays de Fayence’), Claviers & Bargemon plus Saint-Raphaël. Most lunchtime concerts are in Seillans (also in Fayence, Tanneron, Montauroux and each village of the Pays de Fayence again this year). The Academy is also in or near Seillans. There is a map on each concert booking page on this site that will show you exactly where each event is being held.
  • What is the phone number of the box office?
    • +33 (0)7 83 02 07 53 – credit & debit cards + PayPal in any currency. NOTE: this is a new phone number from mid-July 2023)
    • but it is easiest and cheapest to book online (though not after 3PM on the day of the concert itself). You can also buy at the door.
  • At what times do concerts begin and end? Most lunchtime concerts start at 12:30 and last between 45 and 60 minutes. Most evening concerts begin at 8PM (20h) or 21h (9pm) if outdoors and include a 30 minute interval; so the concerts usually end between 10PM and 11PM. Certain concerts start at 9PM, including outdoor events or opera which begins at 9PM – 21h – (we need it to be dark for the surtitles in 2 languages) and will last 2 hours, including interval. The concert at the Val d’Iris, which includes drinks, may also last 2 hours; it starts at 9PM. (21h) and is open only on pre-reservation.
  • Can my child go to a Festival event on his or her own? Sorry, but all children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by a paying adult in concerts at all times. We make no charge for seats (non-reserved seating only) occupied by children aged 12 or under – because we hope to encourage young people to appreciate music and performance and to share its enjoyment. However, this free-seating policy does NOT apply to premium seats or to tickets for the Launch event on 26 July or at the Val d’Iris on 9 August 2023.
  • Can I buy one ticket to cover all the events? You can buy a season pass, which can include an optional (choose your price) donation to Musique Cordiale (see JOIN, become a friend or patron… or see Tickets & reservations). Otherwise, you are only able to buy the tickets for each event individually. However you can go to as many events as you want!
  • What happens if I lose my tickets? If you lose your tickets, email us or call the box office or at the door: we have a list of all tickets purchased and will do our best to help you.
  • I can’t come to a performance; can my tickets be refunded? All tickets are non-refundable. However, if a performance is sold out and we have a waiting list, we will try to sell the tickets on your behalf. But we can’t guarantee that we can do so. If a performance is cancelled, tickets can be refunded or changed for another performance.
  • What time do the doors open before an event? This varies from event to event, but normally the doors will be open 30 minutes before the published start time. For free lunchtime concerts, doors open 15 minutes before the event. (the box office outside the door of evening concerts opens 60 minutes before the concert or half an hour before the doors open).
  • If I’m late will I be allowed in once the event has started? Yes, but only at a point that will not disturb musicians or  other members of the audience.
  • Are there any disabled facilities? In most of the venues, there are accessible facilities though old churches in medieval hill towns can present a challenge! Concerts in the Salle Polyvalente in Seillans, the Magnanerie and those in Fayence and in Saint-Raphaël are reasonably accessible. Access to the Theatre Verdure is by the lower (stage-level) gate by request. In areas that do not have such facilities, we will try our best to accommodate you. Please let us know in advance if you need wheelchair access during a concert.
  • Is there any food or drink available to purchase at the events? Complimentary drinks are served during the interval at evening concerts and after lunchtime concerts. Some performances include an « apéritif dinatoire »  or a modest « collation »and this will be advertised in the programme.  Otherwise, there are restaurants  and bars close to most venues though these may require advance reservation on concert days. It is possible for MEMBERS of the association (including patrons, friends, season-ticket holders, sponsors, parents, spouses etc. of performers ) to buy tickets to join the meals provided for musicians after most evening concerts; cost 35 € per person including wine. Please try to reserve well in advance.
  • Can I bring food and drink onto the premises? The only events at which food and drink can be brought onto the premises are those for outdoor performances and those in the Salle Polyvalente in Seillans. No food or drink may be consumed inside church venues. Please enjoy your refreshments out of doors!
  • Can I photograph or record performances? No indoor recording or photography of performances is permitted at any time except with prior permission – except during applause. Please turn OFF the volume of your phones and all apps during concerts
  • Will there be flashing lights or images at the event? Not usually, The public will be notified at the beginning of the performance.
  • Where can I stay? Where can I eat? Take a look at the ‘Travel, stay, eat’ page (to be finalized). There are hotels and Chambres d’Hote (B&Bs) near most venues but some are well-booked during the festival and summer season. Websites like Booking.com, AirbnB and TripAdvisor are a good start, providing listings by price or location and offering on-line booking facilites as well as contact details and availability information for individual hotels and Chambres d’Hote.
  • Can I bring a camper van or tent? There are a number of campsites locally that accommodate camper vans. Prior reservation is advised.
  • Where is the nearest train station/airport? The nearest train stations are Draguignan Les Arcs (TGV), Saint-Raphaël, Cannes & Nice. The closest airports are Nice and Toulon Hyeres. Marseille is also within driving distance.
  • How much will parking at the festival cost? Parking in the towns is usually free but space close to some venues can be very limited..
  • What happens if an event is cancelled by Musique Cordiale because of bad weather for example? If an event is cancelled for whatever reason, a full refund will be made. In the event of bad weather on a day featuring an outdoor perfomance, we will endeavour to move the event indoors. In the event that a performer is ill, we may try to find a replacement. If a performance takes place with some substituted performers, we will not usually refund tickets. But, if you planned to come solely because a particular artist was due to perform, do talk to us as soon as possible.
  • Will I be able to get cash out at the festival? There is a 24/7 cash point at the Seillans post office and at banks in Fayence, Montauroux, Bargemon, Saint-Raphael and other towns.
  • Will there be any toilet facilities available? Toilet facilities are limited in many old venues. We have some portable toilets in a few venues. The map will highlight where the toilets are located – or please ask.
  • Can I smoke at the festival? As almost anywhere in Europe, you are not permitted to smoke inside any of the buildings which are holding events for Musique Cordiale. However, you are allowed to smoke outside these buildings: please do so courteously!
  • I would like to sing or play in a future festival. Whom should I contact? Experienced and capable amateur singers are always welcom. We will ask for a short audition or video and/or a commendation. Contact the Artistic Director, Pippa Pawlik on +44 (0)7976 301443 or at pi*********@mu**************.com . To sing see SING IN THE CHOIR, here.
  • I play an instrument or sing and am aged 5 – 20 – or I know someone who fits this description and might be interested in joining the Academy. I would like to be a student in the Academy. See the Academy pages here or contact Pippa Pawlik.
  • I have lost something at the festival. How can I find it? Ask at the door of any concert, phone the Inter-communal Tourist Office or call us (see contact list).
  • Can I volunteer as a helper? Yes, we welcome all volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering your time then please contact us.
  • I am interested in sponsoring an event – who should I contact? Please take a look at our ‘Sponsors’ page or contact us (see contact list)
  • I am interested in being a vendor, who should I contact? If you would like to be a vendor at our festival then please call or email (see contact list)
  • I have a press enquiry who should I contact? PRESS CONTACT: Pippa Pawlik, (English, francais, deutsch) +44 7976 301443 (skype: pippapawlik) e-mail: pi***@mu**************.com
  • I can’t find the answer to my question, who can I contact? (see contact list)
  • I have additional questions; whom should I call? (see contact list)
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