Each September, the Corsican town of Calvi hosts the Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques, an annual festival dedicated to polyphonic singing. Despite sometimes being referred to by other names, its official title is Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques, and it brings together vocal traditions from around the world.
The festival is rooted in Corsican culture, where polyphonic singing is a deeply cherished tradition. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to hear both local ensembles like A Filetta and international groups in atmospheric venues such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the citadel.
This guide explains what to expect, from the programme and venues to ticket booking and practical travel tips. Since dates and lineups change each year, always check the latest announcements from the organisers before planning your trip.
Festival Overview: Dates and Venues
The festival typically takes place over five days in mid-September, transforming Calvi's historic centre into a stage for vocal music. Concerts are held in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the citadel, and La Poudrière, a former gunpowder store turned performance space.
Exact dates for each edition are published by the organisers in advance, often on the official tourism websites. For instance, the 2026 edition was scheduled from 14 to 19 September, but you should verify current dates directly with the Calvi Balagne Tourist Office.
History and Cultural Significance
The festival was founded in 1989 following a modest meeting between the Corsican group A Filetta and Su Cuncordu e Tenore de Orosei, organised by the U Svegliu Calvese association. That initial encounter took place in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and cemented a partnership that grew into the annual event seen today.
Polyphonic singing is a cornerstone of Corsican identity, traditionally performed at funerals, celebrations, and religious services. The festival preserves this heritage while opening it to global influences, making it a key event in the island's cultural calendar and a point of connection between diverse vocal traditions.
The festival's philosophy is encapsulated in its opening act: each evening, A Filetta's songs welcome guest groups, symbolising hospitality and exchange. This gesture has become a hallmark of the event, reinforcing its role as a space for dialogue between different cultures.
Typical Programme Structure
The programme usually includes evening concerts at 6 pm and 9:30 pm, featuring collaborative projects between A Filetta and visiting artists. Daytime events at 11 am provide a more informal setting, often in cafés or aperitif contexts, for listening and discussion.
Beyond concerts, the festival often includes exhibitions, film screenings, or public listening sessions. For example, one edition featured a sound archive session from the Musée de la Corse's collection, while another showcased a mural created live by a Sicilian painter.
The festival typically concludes with a collective evening where all artists perform together, offering a fitting finale to several days of collaboration. Photographs of previous concerts are often displayed each day, adding a visual layer to the experience.
Notable Performers and Groups
A Filetta is a mainstay of the festival, having performed since its inception. International guests have included ensembles from the United States, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Brittany, Argentina, and Venezuela, reflecting the festival's global reach.
Past editions have featured projects like Roomful of Teeth performing Caroline Shaw's Pulitzer-winning work, Korean collective Liquid Sound, and traditional Irish sean-nós singing. These collaborations highlight the diversity of polyphonic expression.
Since lineups change annually, check the official program for the current edition to see which artists are scheduled. The festival's website and the Calvi Balagne Tourist Office are reliable sources for the latest announcements.
Ticket Information and Booking
Tickets for the Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques are not sold online; instead, you must book by email or telephone. After booking, you need to pay and collect your tickets at La Poudrière, the association's headquarters, or arrange for bank transfer or cheque payment.
A key rule is that if tickets are not collected by 4 pm on the day of the performance, your booking is automatically cancelled. You must provide a telephone number when booking, and access to the auditorium after a performance begins is only possible at suitable moments decided by staff.
Prices and subscription options vary each year. To get current rates, contact the festival directly via the Calvi Balagne Tourist Office or visit the official festival website. Past editions have offered reduced rates for evening concerts when purchased with other events, but these are subject to change.
Practical Tips for Attendees
Calvi is a popular destination in Corsica, and September is a pleasant time to visit with fewer crowds. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend the festival, as it coincides with the end of the summer season.
The town is served by Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport with seasonal flights, and you can also reach it by ferry from mainland France or Italy. Within the town, venues like the citadel are walkable, but be prepared for uphill paths and cobblestones.
For a deeper dive into Corsica's summer events, check out our guide to festivals in France. You might also be interested in other Calvi events, such as the Calvi Catenacciu Good Friday procession guide or the Calvi August fireworks Madonna della Serra.
Other Festivals in Corsica
Corsica hosts a variety of music festivals throughout the summer, ranging from electronic music at Calvi on the Rocks in July to classical guitar at Les Nuits de la Guitare in Patrimonio. These events appeal to diverse tastes and often take place in stunning outdoor settings.
For those interested in traditional music, the Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques stands out for its focus on vocal heritage. Other events like Porto Latino in St Florent mix Latin and world music, while the Festival de la Musique in Erbalunga offers a more intimate experience.
Plan Your Visit
The Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques offers a unique window into Corsican polyphony and its global connections. By planning around the festival's September timing and arranging tickets through the official channels, you can secure a memorable cultural experience.
Check the festival's official website or the Calvi Balagne Tourist Office for the latest program and booking details, as these are updated for each edition. With its historic venues and world-class artists, the festival is a highlight of Calvi's cultural calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques take place?
The festival is held annually in Calvi, typically in mid-September. Exact dates for each year are announced by the organisers in advance. To get the most current schedule, check the official festival website or contact the Calvi Balagne Tourist Office.
Where do concerts take place?
Concerts are held in several historic venues in Calvi, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the citadel, and La Poudrière. The exact locations can vary, so refer to the official programme for the current edition.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are not sold online. You must book by email or telephone, then pay and collect your tickets either at La Poudrière or at the venue, depending on your payment method. Ensure you collect tickets by 4 pm on the day of the performance to avoid cancellation.
What is the festival's connection to A Filetta?
A Filetta is a renowned Corsican polyphonic group that co-founded the festival in 1989 and has been a mainstay ever since. Each evening, their songs open the programme and welcome guest groups, a tradition known as 'hospitality'.
Why is the festival sometimes called 'Festivocca'?
The official name is Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques, and using 'Festivocca' can lead to confusion. The informal nickname is not official, so rely on the correct name when searching for information.
