École normale de musique de Paris: free classical concerts at Salle Cortot

École normale de musique de Paris, Alfred Cortot, Salle Cortot, a hidden concert gem in the 17th arrondissement

Paris breathes culture, and that’s exactly what I adore about this city. Every street surprises me anew, with its architecture, its energy, and those small details that carry centuries of history. Here, culture isn’t a luxury, it’s part of daily life. Museums, exhibitions, concerts, often free or at a modest price, make inspiration accessible to everyone.
Today, I immersed myself once again in that world of cultural abundance, attending a lunchtime concert at the École normale de musique de Paris Alfred Cortot, in the elegant 17th arrondissement, near Malesherbes

What is the École normale de musique de Paris Alfred Cortot, and why is it also so famous?

Almost 70 Concerts de Midi et Demi are performed every year in Salle Cortot by advanced students of the École normale de musique de Paris Alfred Cortot. However, the Concerts de Midi et Demi are given not only by graduates and advanced-level students, but also by the professors of the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Over the years, these concerts have become a true Parisian tradition, and as a result, they attract a loyal audience of regulars.

I step off the metro at Malesherbes, walk a short way along the wide boulevard lined with stately Haussmannian buildings, and arrive at an imposing green door, the entrance to the École. Students come and go, some with large instruments strapped to their backs. For us, the public, the entrance is discreetly around the corner.

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From the windows with wrought-iron railings, music drifts into the street, piano, harp, opera singing. Inside, in small basement rooms, international students practice, young people full of determination and talent. However, the simplicity of these practice rooms beautifully contrasts with the grandeur of the spaces also available to them, namely les salles de cours.

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What makes Salle Cortot at the École normale de musique de Paris so special?

The Salle Cortot, designed by architect Auguste Perret and inaugurated in 1929, embodies the spirit of the great pianist Alfred Cortot. He once said, “Je vous ferai une salle qui sonnera comme un violon.” And indeed, as Cortot later added, this violin turned out to be a Stradivarius.

The hall is intimate, sober, and entirely paneled in wood. The seats are simple and not particularly comfortable, but they are perfectly in harmony with the school’s character, being both authentic and unpretentious, while also devoted entirely to the music itself.

As I take my seat, I feel a sense of calm. In this often hectic city, the Salle Cortot is an oasis of silence and attention. Here, everything revolves around sound, focus, and the shared experience of emotion.

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Who performs at Salle Cortot and the École normale de musique de Paris?

The afternoon begins with a short introduction by Stéphane Friédérich, the artistic director of the Midi & Demi Concerts, who speaks warmly about the works and their context.
Then, a young pianist steps onto the stage, Victor Kruel. His program, Vocation, includes works by Haydn, Chopin, and Ravel, a journey through time and temperament. His playing is both technically brilliant and deeply moving.

Next comes Caroline Nobst on the harp. Her repertoire, from Marcel Grandjany to Carlos Salzedo, fills the room with a soft radiance. The harp sounds like light dancing through space.

I feel grateful to be here. These young musicians, so full of dreams and discipline, remind me why I love Paris so deeply, as this city continuously nourishes me both intellectually and emotionally.Here, art isn’t an exclusive affair, it’s a shared breath of life.

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How can you attend free classical concerts at the École normale de musique de Paris?

When the last notes fade away, there’s a gentle reminder that, although the concerts are free, the students are, of course, rewarded through your voluntary contribution as you leave, and this serves as a small gesture of appreciation for their talent and dedication.

When I step outside again, the air feels different, lighter, softer. The city seems to slow down for a moment. A classical concert on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon turns this day into one with a golden touch.

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How to find friends to attend classical concerts in Paris together

Would you like to experience it too? Discover the upcoming concert schedule on sallecortot.com, and then be inspired not only by emerging talents but also by renowned names from the world of classical music.

Furthermore, if you’d like to attend these concerts together, you can leave a message in the comments, and then join me and others through my community to share these moments in Paris.
You’re welcome to join our community in Paris. A great way tot meet friends and practice your French or English. Check links below.

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