The lineup for the 2026 Nocturnes du Piano promises more magical moments.

From its very first edition in July 2022, Les Nocturnes du Piano was a huge success, generating enthusiasm among both the audience and the guest artists.
Right from the start, artistic director Christine Gastaud’s gamble paid off, despite the doubts and reservations that had initially been expressed about the venue—which was, to say the least, an unusual choice for classical music concerts.
It came as a great surprise to many to discover thatthe Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer possessed not only unique qualities but also surprisingly good acoustics for hosting piano recitals. Subsequent editions brilliantly confirmed this success.
Of course, it was through a demanding and exceptionally high-quality program that Christine Gastaud succeeded in winning over music lovers, allowing them to discover an ever-growing number of exceptional young pianists on the cusp of great careers.
I am very proud to be the patron of such an event, which has successfully established itself as an essential fixture in the musical landscape of the Côte d’Azur and among French festivals.

To celebrate its 5th edition in style, the Nocturnes du Piano promises more unforgettable musical moments featuring wonderful young pianists, as well as two exceptional evenings. I’ll have the pleasure of performing with a renowned German baritone, Samuel Hasselhorn, for a Schubert-themed evening. And the final festive evening dedicated to tango, featuring Jorge Buajasan Gonzalez and his friends, should bring this anniversary edition to a spectacular close!

Alongside the Nocturnes, the Samson François International Piano Competition made a huge splash right from its inaugural edition in 2022 by discovering a 14-year-old pianist, Ryan Wang, who is now on his way to a brilliant career and continues to win international awards. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Nicolas Bringuier, this magnificent competition continues to grow, helping to discover the young pianists of tomorrow.