The association

In French, a paperback book is called a "livre de poche" (pocketbook). Inspired by this revolutionary way of reading which made it more readily accessible for everyone, Gisèle Magnan decided to name our association Les Concerts de Poche – because the concerts and musical workshops that we organise are affordable and they can go anywhere, even to the most remote of places.

We offer the same musical excellence as the greatest concert halls across the world, but in accessible places for people throughout France.

Concert in Privas ©Pierre Brunel

Music which is practised and performed with high standards and generosity creates exciting, long-lasting relationships – so let’s do it!

The association Les Concerts de Poche was founded in 2005 by the pianist Gisèle Magnan. She strongly believes that classical, jazz and opera music should reach everyone and excel everywhere.

Since the association was founded, each "Concerts de Poche project" has involved both musical workshops and a concert. The workshops take place in local venues such as schools, community centres, prisons, care homes, retirement homes, and libraries. They allow the participants to be creative with music, to build bonds with each other and to listen to better understand one another. The concerts offer those living in the local area a repertoire and a performance of the highest standard, in an intimate, friendly environment.

Les Concerts de Poche focus on three main cultural aspects: artistic, social and geographical.

What we do

Each project consists of a series of musical workshops and a concert performed by talented musicians.

The projects take place throughout France, mainly in the local venues of rural towns and villages.

Our values

Interaction, courage, companionship, high standards and vitality!

Through our work, we hope to build a stable and tolerant society by building the people’s self-confidence as well as their confidence in others.

Thanks to our inseparable workshops and concerts, we make an important contribution to the renewal and development of the classical music audience.

Concert in Moigny-sur-École ©J.-F. Leclerc

A little more about us

The association is recognised as being of public utility and has been certified by the La France s’engage Foundation. Les Concerts de Poche has been approved by the Ministère de la Culture, the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de la jeunesse et des sports, and by the Ministère de la Cohésion des Territoires through the Agence Nationale de la Cohésion des Territoires. Based in five major cities across France, the team travels frequently to run projects everywhere and for everyone.

To find out more about Les Concerts de Poche and our impact, check out our brochure: