Inspired by the historic encounter between composer Francis Poulenc and the city of Rocamadour, which fueled the creation of his sacred music, the Rocamadour – Musique sacrée Foundation is dedicated to preserving and developing this ancestral art. By placing sacred music under the aegis of the Heritage Foundation, it works to ensure the transmission of this intangible heritage while supporting cultural initiatives that pay tribute to the spiritual and musical richness of this aesthetic.
When Francis Poulenc first went to Rocamadour in August 1936, he was deeply moved by the news of the death of his colleague Pierre-Octave Ferroud. The atrocious decollation of this musician so full of strength had struck him with shock. Thinking of the insignificance of the human envelope, he was once again drawn to the spiritual life.
In the sanctuary city, facing the Black Madonna, he was transported by the spiritual and mystical atmosphere of the place. This experience had a profound effect on his faith and his musical composition, as he himself wrote: “Alone, in front of the sinless Virgin, I suddenly received the indisputable sign, the stab of grace in my heart”.
That same evening he began his Litanies à la Vierge Noire, the first sacred work in his repertoire, which he composed in just seven days. Poulenc was able to transcribe the spirituality and fervour of devotion to the Virgin in a style that was both intense and gentle, alternating Gregorian chants with modern sounds.
His frequent visits to Rocamadour also inspired some of his most memorable works, such as the Salve Regina (1941), the Stabat Mater (1950), the Quatre motets pour un temps de Noël (1952) and his opera Dialogue des Carmélites (1957). Poulenc’s sacred music, often described as a mixture of lightness and depth, perfectly reflects the composer’s relationship with Rocamadour, where the beauty of the place blends with a profound spirituality.
The Foundation focuses on concrete actions to ensure the longevity of sacred music and give it new momentum. It supports projects related to training, musical education, the creation of programs, concerts, and musicological research, while also promoting the architectural and artistic heritage essential to the dissemination of this music.
As part of this mission, several initiatives are implemented:
› The organization of festivals.
› The organization of concert seasons.
› Support for vocal ensembles.
› Support for composers.
› Mediation and educational projects.
The Foundation also supports:
› The restoration or construction of organs.
› Projects aimed at enhancing places of worship to host cultural activities in a way that is compatible with religious use.
In close collaboration with the Cantica Sacra association, the Rocamadour – Musique sacrée Foundation actively contributes to the Rocamadour Festival, the Ensemble la Sportelle, the Rocamadour Label, and other cultural events dedicated to promoting sacred music in France. It also supports touring projects, helping to bring concerts to churches and places of worship across the country.
Our Foundation is committed to strengthening the impact of sacred music on contemporary society while enhancing Rocamadour’s cultural heritage and supporting similar initiatives led by public-interest organizations. Through its partnership with the Heritage Foundation, it operates within a rigorous ethical framework, ensuring transparency in its actions for sustainable and responsible management aligned with its mission.
