With just a few days left until its reopening, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will mark its return after five years of restoration with a grand concert blending classical and popular music. This historic event will celebrate resilience and hope, drawing global attention to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
On December 7th, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen its doors after more than five years of reconstruction work following the devastating fire that ravaged the building in April 2019. To celebrate this historic moment, a concert will take place on the forecourt of Notre-Dame, showcasing an interesting mix of classical and popular music artists. The headliners for this evening, revealed on November 1st, promise a program that is both diverse and prestigious.
Organized by France Télévisions and co-broadcast by Radio France, this concert will mark the beginning of the ceremonies celebrating the reopening of one of the world’s most iconic monuments. The program will begin shortly after 9:00 PM on the evening of December 7th, on the cathedral’s forecourt, and will be broadcast live. Following the fire, which sparked worldwide emotion and a wave of solidarity for its reconstruction, this concert will serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
Classical Stars
Classical music will dominate the evening, with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, the renowned Venezuelan conductor. At 43, Dudamel is one of the greatest conductors of our times, capable of leading both Mahler and the famous Star Wars soundtracks. In 2026, he will take over as the conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Alongside the orchestra, the Maîtrise de Notre-Dame de Paris, the famous vocal ensemble, will perform classical works, paying tribute to the cathedral through song.
Among the other classical stars, the virtuoso pianist Lang Lang will also perform, a musician with deep ties to Paris. He notably performed at a concert in tribute to Notre-Dame after the fire, and his participation in this event symbolizes his strong connection to the French capital. Swiss-French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, who performed at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, will also be part of the evening.
Lebanese Influences
However, this concert will not be limited to classical music. The French pop scene will also be represented by Clara Luciani, Vianney, and Garou, three very popular figures in contemporary French chanson. Their presence will add a more accessible dimension to the event, reaching a wider audience. The concert’s international scope will be ensured by artists like Angélique Kidjo, the Beninese singer with five Grammy Awards, who will bring her Afrobeat music infused with classical influences. She has expressed her hope that the reopening of Notre-Dame will be a symbol of peace and resilience for humanity. South African soprano Pretty Yende and Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji, who portrayed Esmeralda in the musical Notre-Dame de Paris, will further enrich the musical diversity of the evening.
Solemn Ceremony
Finally, French DJ Michael Canitrot, known for his Monumental Tour, will bring his electronic touch to the event. With his visual performances blending music and digital art at iconic locations like Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey or the Eiffel Tower, he promises a spectacular sonic experience. The day of December 7th will begin with a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron on the forecourt, followed by a liturgical ceremony attended by foreign heads of state. A secret program will precede the main concert in the evening. This reopening concert will thus be the culmination of a significant day for both Notre-Dame and France.
With AFP
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