Founded in 2005, the association DIÈSE – Les Pianissimes is dedicated to bringing classical music to audiences of all backgrounds. It shines a light on talented young artists in a spirit of excellence, conviviality and accessibility, presenting concerts in a variety of settings, from major Parisian venues to more intimate locations in the Lyon region.

For more than 20 years, Les Pianissimes has sought to challenge the traditional image of the classical concert. The association champions a different way of experiencing music: more accessible, warmer and more direct. Each concert is conceived as an encounter, combining artistic excellence, attentive listening and opportunities to engage with the artists, including over a drink shared with the audience after the performance.

The project has three main aims: to support and showcase the pianists of tomorrow, make classical music more accessible to new audiences, and reinvent the concert experience. With more than 20 concerts organised each season in Paris and the Lyon region, Les Pianissimes helps foster a new generation of performers while creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

The 2026/2027 season runs from September 2026 to June 2027, across four Parisian venues and several locations in the Lyon region, including Couzon-au-Mont-d’Or, Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d’Or, Lyon, Charbonnières-les-Bains and Marcy-l’Étoile.

Beyond its concert programme, Les Pianissimes also develops educational outreach initiatives for younger audiences. Each year, the association reaches an estimated 300 primary school pupils and 1,000 university students, contributing to the wider democratisation of classical music. These initiatives create opportunities for young people to engage with artists and works, opening up access to a musical practice from which some audiences may otherwise feel distant.

By supporting Les Pianissimes, the Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund is reaffirming its commitment to artistic emergence and to increasing the visibility of young musicians seeking to turn their passion into a professional career.