For its new edition in Saint-Tropez, Les Nuits de la Moutte is welcoming the famous cellist Gautier Capuçon

The announcement surprised all members present at La Ponche, for the official presentation of the 2025 program of the Nuits du Château de la Moutte, as the secret had been so well kept. After a fiftieth anniversary edition prepared in 2025 by Nicolas Dufetel, and a reflection on the evolution of its governance, the festival is equipping itself with an exceptional trio and a great complementarity for the 2026 edition.

Gauthier Capuçon, a "yes" that changes the game

Organizers François Michiels, Nicolas Dufetel, Jean-Philippe Audoli, and president ^Ms. Paley-Vincent have brought the festival to a peak. But they want to go further.

A call for applications for the position of artistic director has been launched, and the quality of the candidates is astounding: Renaud Capuçon, his brother Gautier and the virtuoso pianist Bertrand Chamayou, responded enthusiastically.

Regardless of the fact that they are all world-renowned artists, they know Saint-Tropez, they are very attached to it, and they have been among the flagship artists to play at the festival in recent years.

Bertrand Chamayou had given his agreement, but during this summer period, he was already directing a major festival and had withdrawn.

Renaud Capuçon had also given his agreement, but he ultimately declined to give priority to his brother Gautier.

A shock trio

Of course, Catherine Paley-Vincent remains president and François Michiels the indispensable general director, year-round in Saint-Tropez.

Nicolas Dufetel has become Strategic and Cultural Director, and alongside Gautier Capuçon, Julia Neugebauer will serve as Director of Development. A trained pianist, this pianist is currently the Director of Patronage at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Undoubtedly, the Nights of the Château de la Moutte take on another dimension.