The Canberra International Music Festival 2025 (CIMF 2025) is turning up the volume on French music, with not one but three shows featuring the powerful and evocative sounds of the French bagpipe. Yes, you read that right: France isn’t just about the accordion and chanson; it has a proud piping tradition too, and it’s on full display at CIMF 2025.
At the heart of these events is Erwan Keravec, an avant-garde Breton bagpiper (or sonneur) known for pushing the boundaries of traditional instruments into contemporary and experimental music realms. [Stay tuned for an interview with him coming soon.] Whether you’re already a fan of Celtic-infused French sounds or simply curious to discover a lesser-known facet of French musical heritage, these concerts are for you.
Sunday 4 May, 2:00pm @ LESS Pavilion, Dairy Road Precinct, Fyshwick
FREE
This extraordinary ensemble brings together four traditional pipers and bombard players, Erwan Keravec, Mickaël Cozien, Erwan Hamon, and Guénolé Keravec, to create something utterly modern. Forget what you think you know about bagpipes. Sonneurs is a hypnotic, minimalist, and strikingly physical performance that pulls Breton musical traditions into a bold, contemporary light.
Saturday 3 May, 7:30pm @ Fitters’ Workshop
$78
Minimalism meets the drone. Eight pipers, including Erwan Keravec and his fellow French sonneurs, celebrate the music of Philip Glass through bold, reimagined arrangements. With the natural drone of the bagpipes at its core, this one-of-a-kind event reinterprets Glass’s minimalist compositions, blending tradition and innovation. Expect a sonic journey for both the ears and the imagination, where the rich sounds of the bagpipes intertwine with Glass’s iconic minimalist style, creating a fresh and captivating musical experience.
Saturday 3 May, 11:20am @ Courtyard, National Film and Sound Archive
FREE
In Whitewater, Erwan Keravec presents a solo performance that challenges traditional perceptions of the bagpipe. Through extended techniques and contemporary compositions, he explores the universality of the instrument—moving far beyond cultural clichés to reveal its full expressive potential.
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Whether you’re a Francophile, a fan of experimental music, or just looking to experience something completely different, these CIMF concerts are an excellent opportunity to discover the fascinating intersection of French heritage and modern sound. These performances are sure to leave you blown away—don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the bagpipe at CIMF 2025.
KEY INFO FOR CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025
WHAT: Canberra international Music Festival 2025 (CIMF 2025)
WHERE: various locations in Canberra
WHEN: 30 April – 4 May 2025
HOW: Purchase your tickets here www.cimf.org.au
HOW MUCH: some events are free. Prices for ticketed events very
For more French music in May:
And for other events with links to France and the Francophonie happening in May, check out our What’s on in May 2025
