In early May, the coastal city of Essaouira will once again transform into a haven for classical music lovers, as the 21st edition of the Printemps Musical des Alizés unfolds under the warm breeze of the Atlantic. This year, the festival has chosen to spotlight a towering figure of Romanticism—Johannes Brahms—inviting audiences into a world of emotional depth and rich harmonies that speak across generations. Framed by the theme “Do You Love Brahms?”, the festival promises an intimate yet ambitious tribute to the German composer, fusing accessibility with artistic rigor.
From May 1 to May 4, music will echo through the historic streets and landmarks of Essaouira, from the Dar Souiri cultural center to the city’s church and the Salle de la Marche Verte. Across fourteen concerts in just four days, the program explores the full spectrum of Brahms’ genius. Each performance sheds light on a different aspect of his work—from the fiery Hungarian Dances and the tender Liebeslieder Waltzes to the emotional complexity of his string quartets and the sweeping drama of his symphonies.
The festival opens with a poignant performance of Brahms’ Sextet No. 1 by acclaimed cellist Emmanuelle Bertrand, joined by soloists from the Orchestre National d’Île-de-France. Later, the Orchestre Philharmonique du Maroc takes center stage for Brahms’ First and Fourth symphonies, conducted by rising stars from the newly launched Alizés Conducting Academy—an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of orchestral leaders.
This new conducting academy is one of the most exciting additions to this year’s edition. A collaboration between the festival and the Orchestre Philharmonique du Maroc, the academy offers young conductors a rare opportunity: after a training residency in Rabat, they will step onto the podium in Essaouira, leading full orchestral performances alongside seasoned soloists. It’s a bold commitment to mentorship and innovation, staying true to the festival’s mission to combine excellence with forward-thinking education.
Another highlight is the “Young Talents Morning,” where students from the Mazaya program—a groundbreaking initiative that offers classical music training to underprivileged youth—will take the stage at Dar Souiri. These performances serve as a powerful reminder that musical brilliance often begins in the most humble of places, and that nurturing young talent is essential to preserving the vitality of the art form.
Since its founding in 2001, Printemps Musical des Alizés has held a unique place in Morocco’s cultural landscape as the country’s only festival solely dedicated to classical music. Free to the public and defined by its intimate atmosphere and high artistic standards, it attracts both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. Under the artistic direction of pianist Dina Bensaïd, the 2025 edition reflects a delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing modernity—connecting Essaouira’s rich heritage with the timeless power of music.
Behind the scenes, the festival is the result of a dynamic partnership between the Ténor Foundation for Culture and the Essaouira Mogador Association. Together, they’ve built more than just a festival—they’ve created a lasting cultural institution, deeply woven into the local community and dedicated to youth, education, and artistic beauty.
