Preserving tradition while treading on new paths will mark this 33rd Centre Acanthes., the fifth in the Metz Region. Tradition in working with our ever so loyal orchestra in residence, the brilliant Orchestre national de Lorraine, who will as always be at the heart of our workshops; tradition again with the contributions of Silva Costanzo, Mario Caroli, Jean Deroyer, Sylvio Gualda, Jacques Mercier, Donatienne Michel-Dansac ; new grounds with the participation of the celebrated Vocalsolisten Ensemble from Stuttgart for whom selected students will be asked to write a new piece, and who will take part in our public concerts, as part of a course where the human voice will be at the forefront.

As for our three composers, two of them know Acanthes well and are longstanding friends: Hugues Dufourt who has been visiting Acanthes since 1984, and Ivan Fedele who was one of our principal guests in 2000 and 2002. With unconcealed pleasure, and for the first time, we welcome Bruno Mantovani, one of the most outstanding composers of the new generation. This is how our history gets enriched. Not mentioning of course the contributions of new young composers who, after years of learning, look upon Acanthes as a required rite of passage. A rite of passage which they freely and happily engage in, as they know that Acanthes is the place where they will make new friends and have new fascinating experiences.

During the first two weeks of July, they will get in touch (again) with this Lorraine region, whose modernity, should establish itself with even more power when the Centre Pompidou Metz opens. A close future, which already makes us dream. C. S.