The Salle Cortot
The Salle Cortot, built in 1929 by architect Auguste Perret, stands out not only for its remarkable architecture, but also for its central role in the musical and educational life of the École. With a capacity of 400, the Salle Cortot is much more than just a concert hall: it’s a true place of expression for students and young talent.
12:30 concerts for students
The 12:30 concerts play a key role in the École Normale de Musique’s commitment to supporting its students. These concerts are organized in the middle of the day, offering students the chance to perform in public under professional conditions.
The aim is twofold: firstly, to give students the chance to face an audience, refine their interpretation and prepare for more substantial performances, and secondly, to provide a showcase for their talents. These concerts are generally open to all, allowing students to experience a concert in a hall that can accommodate attentive and curious listeners.
Stéphane Friédérich coordinates and presents these concerts. After studying history, communications and piano, he worked with the Orchestre de Paris, then the Orchestre symphonique français. He then joined the editorial teams of La Lettre du Musicien and Classica magazine as a journalist. His expertise and commitment to music make him a key figure for these concerts and events.
The Rencontres Musicales de Cortot
The Rencontres Musicales de Cortot is another highlight of the hall’s musical calendar. This program is an opportunity for top-level musicians, often from the school or specially invited, to perform in more formal concerts. These encounters are a platform for students and professionals alike, offering them an opportunity to showcase their work in a prestigious setting.
The Rencontres Musicales de Cortot go beyond concerts: they also include masterclasses, where internationally renowned artists come to share their expertise and know-how. These events are privileged moments of transmission and exchange, enabling students to enrich their practice and interact with masters of the musical world.
An exceptional venue for music
The hall itself, an Art Deco masterpiece, is a real gem in terms of acoustics. Its design is reminiscent of a violin’s resonance box, making it an ideal space for quality musical performances. Its classification as a Monument Historique underlines the importance of this venue, not only as a place of learning, but also as part of Paris’s cultural heritage. It has played host to some of the greatest names in classical music, and continues to be a beacon for the École Normale de Musique throughout the world.
The Salle Cortot is therefore a true crossroads of musical education and performance, where tradition and innovation meet, and where young musicians can gain valuable experience that will accompany them throughout their careers.
