About René Martin

Artistic Director

Rene Martin

To break out of the conventional shell of classical music and delight all who attend, this must be a musical festival in which anyone can deeply enjoy. My aim is the true “democratization” of classical music presented once a year and at sensible prices. Likewise, my vision includes a plentiful musical program, realized through the power of encounters and sharing between top-caliber musicians and the members of the audience. This event, in my mind, must also offer rich appeal for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as anyone aspiring towards future associations with classical music: celebration of the classical genre, open to all who come. This, in a nutshell, is the spirit I seek to manifest with “La Folle Journée.”

Profile

Born in a suburb of Nantes, France. After studying music and business administration, he established CREA(Centre de réalisations et d’études artistiques) in Nantes in 1979. He has produced numerous concerts and festivals and as been recently 1,200 concerts per year. In 1995, he originated La Folle Journée, an epoch-making event which shook the image of traditional classical music concerts.