Conservatoire Darius Milhaud, Regional music conservatory in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Conservatoire Darius Milhaud is a public arts school in Aix-en-Provence teaching music, dance and theatre. Its building, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, covers 7,400 m² and holds a 500-seat auditorium. It is one of five buildings of the Forum culturel d'Aix-en-Provence, alongside the Grand Théâtre de Provence, the Pavillon Noir, the Cité du Livre and the two walls.
The school opened in 1884 as a national school of music and dance. It took the name of Aix-born composer Darius Milhaud in 1972. In 2017 it was reclassified as a conservatoire à rayonnement régional. Its directors have included Pierre Villette (1966–1990), Michel Camatte (1990–2012), Jean-Philippe Dambreville (2012–2022) and Michel Durand-Mabire since 2022.
The conservatory carries the name of composer Darius Milhaud, who was born in Aix-en-Provence, and his musical legacy continues to shape the institution. Regular performances throughout the year showcase the full range of music, dance, and theater work that students develop and present to the public.
The conservatory occupies a 7,400 m² building with a 500-seat auditorium, part of the Forum culturel d'Aix-en-Provence that extends the Allées Provençales. It stands alongside the Grand Théâtre de Provence, the Pavillon Noir dance venue, the Cité du Livre and the two Walls (water and plant). Visitors attending performances should check the programme in advance.
The facade features an aluminum pattern that recalls Japanese origami folding techniques, creating a striking visual effect. The design was created by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and merges Eastern and Western architectural traditions in a contemporary way.
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