Vandoncourt, a minor commune in the Doubs department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, is preparing to host its 22nd season of “Les Samedis de Vandoncourt” – Saturday concerts – beginning this September. The series, held within the historic walls of the Vandoncourt Temple, offers a diverse program of musical performances, ranging from orchestral mandolins to Brazilian jazz, and provides free admission to most events, making cultural enrichment accessible to the community. This year’s concert series promises a vibrant continuation of a tradition deeply rooted in the region’s heritage.
The Vandoncourt Temple, classified as a historical monument, is notable for its architectural simplicity, enhanced by three modern stained-glass windows created by artist Calame. These windows add a contemporary splash of color to the building’s austere design. The site’s history extends beyond its religious function; it was once surrounded by a cemetery, remnants of which – three tombstones – remain outside the temple walls. Beneath the choir floor lie the graves of 17th-century pastors, a poignant reminder of the site’s long and layered past. The temple underwent a complete renovation in 2010, thanks to the dedication of the association “Sauvegardons le Temple” (Let’s Save the Temple), which continues to organize the concerts through its affiliated group, “Les Amis du Temple” (The Friends of the Temple).
A Season of Diverse Sounds
The 2025/2026 season kicks off on September 20, 2025, with a performance by the “Orchestre de Mandolines de Hardt,” directed by Frank Scheuerle, featuring soloist Karl-Friederich Wentzel. The orchestra’s program will span musical eras from the 17th to the 20th centuries, showcasing the versatility of the mandolin. On November 15, 2025, pianist Pascal Keller and tenor Sylvain Rousset will present a “Récital Schubert,” offering a classical music experience.
The modern year brings “Stabat Mater” on January 24, 2026, performed by the ensemble ARCANES under the direction of Jean-Michel Montornès. March 7, 2026, will feature the unique sounds of LE DUO Grog Och Troll, with Anne Schlick on vocals and nyckelharpa, alongside Xavier Bazoge on vocals, guitar, and viola da gamba, in a performance titled “Quelques étoiles plus au nord” (Some Stars Further North). April 25, 2026, welcomes an ensemble vocal directed by Olivier Bastien for a concert entitled “L’écho des Rafales” (The Echo of Gusts).
A Special Concert-Dinner Finale
The season culminates on May 30, 2026, with a special concert-dinner event featuring the Alma Trio. Selim Khelifa will perform on guitar, Maud Choteau Le Diagon will provide vocals and percussion, and Clémentine Lérique will contribute vocals, flute, and cajón. The trio will perform a blend of Brazilian and French songs, infused with jazz and pop influences. This concert-dinner requires reservations and payment before May 25, 2026, and includes a traditional “bouille” (milk-based drink) after the performance – a customary offering at most concerts, excluding the dinner event.
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM each Saturday, and admission is free unless otherwise noted. The association “Les Amis du Temple” can be contacted at 06 25 09 49 87 or 06 06 55 28 73 for inquiries. Vandoncourt itself, as noted by Wikipedia, is a “Cité de Caractère” – a designated town recognized for its heritage and character – and is located near the border with Switzerland.
The ongoing success of “Les Samedis de Vandoncourt” demonstrates the power of community-led initiatives in preserving cultural heritage and providing accessible artistic experiences. The concerts not only showcase talented musicians but also contribute to the vitality of Vandoncourt and its surrounding region. The next scheduled event is the orchestral mandolin performance on September 20, 2025, offering a promising start to another season of musical delight.
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