Rencontres franco-américaines de musique de chambre

Founded in 2000 at the initiative of American francophile patron Willard Beling, the Rencontres franco-américaines de musique de chambre take place every summer in Saint-Gildas-des-Bois and neighbouring towns Missillac, Pontchâteau and Guenrouet, in Loire-Atlantique. Under the artistic direction of cellist François Salque, the festival offers classical, jazz and world music concerts across various venues in the area. Since 2023 the association Les Amis des Rencontres franco-américaines has kept it going, aiming to bring chamber music to as wide an audience as possible, including in rural areas.