From January 19 to February 1, 2026, UNESCO's Sound Week returns, free of charge, curious and (very) tech-savvy, to explore how sound shapes our future, from our ears to our cities.
From January 19 to February 1, 2026, UNESCO's Sound Week returns, free of charge, curious and (very) tech-savvy, to explore how sound shapes our future, from our ears to our cities.
Already the 23rd edition! Time flies, and so do the decibels. From January 19 to February 1??, 2026, the UNESCO Sound Week focuses on "Sound and Innovations."
On the agenda: conferences, concerts, workshops, and demonstrations for both the general public and professionals.
The idea? To better understand how technological advances (from AI to architectural acoustics) are transforming the way we listen, heal, work... and even dream. All 100% free, you just need to book your slot.
Great news for the curious, music lovers, and parents looking for clever activities in the heart of winter.
Billions are often mentioned when it comes to video, much less so with audio. Yet, it is a thriving market: in France, the sound economy is estimated to be worth nearly 16 billion euros (instruments, streaming, acoustic engineering, sound design, etc.). Globally, the professional audio technology market is expected to exceed 40 billion dollars by 2028, with an average annual growth rate of 7%. In short, far from being a gimmick, sound is a real competitive lever for the French cultural and digital industry. This topic will be discussed, with figures to support it, during dedicated roundtables at the Week of Sound.
Buzzing, hypersensitivity, tinnitus... 1 in 4 French people report suffering from a hearing disorder. The social cost of hearing loss is now close to 16 billion euros per year (healthcare, work stoppages, isolation). Hence the importance of prevention. The 2026 edition will offer free hearing tests, workshops on active protection for musicians, and even an introduction to sound therapy, the popular relaxing sound baths acclaimed in the United States. The goal: to leave with practical advice on protecting one's ears without sacrificing the enjoyment of a concert.
Bridging human creativity and algorithms, AI is reinventing composition, post-production, and broadcasting. Did you know that over 75% of producers are already using algorithmic assistance tools? During the Sound Week, a focus will explain how synthetic voices are dangerously close to the human timbre (with, let's be honest, as many opportunities as there are deviations). With a demo to prove it: a virtual choir will improvise in real-time to the chords of André Manoukian. Guaranteed chills... or slight concern, depending on your perspective.
Between remote work, sometimes noisy neighbors, and loud videos, acoustic comfort is no longer a luxury. According to a CSA survey from 2024, 58% of French people consider their housing too noisy. Eco-friendly absorbent panels, triple-glazed soundproof windows, connected devices that regulate the sound level: construction is becoming smart & soft. The Week of Sound offers models to test insulation in real situations and understand the levers to finally gain decibels of silence.
January 19, Opening Night: Barbara Pravi + André Manoukian, an intimate piano-voice duo.January 21, Image & Sound: award ceremony for the school competition "When sound creates the image".January 22, Sonic Excellence: L-Acoustics reveals its new quality label, followed by a concert by fingerstyle guitarist Thibault Cauvin.January 24-25, Orchestra Weekend: participatory rehearsals and concerts throughout France.February 1, Prospective Closing: round table "Musical Intelligence" + immersive 360° DJ set.
They were imagined on two different planets... now they find themselves under the same UNESCO banner. Singer Barbara Pravi (revealed by Eurovision) and the tireless André Manoukian (pianist, author, speaker) will kick things off with a stripped-down set where the raw voice meets the warmth of the piano. A nod to the very essence of sound: a vibration, a tone, a silence, nothing more, nothing less. Expect some jazzy digressions (Manoukian loves those), but also anecdotes about how technology influences their creative process.
New for 2026: a national format. From Lyon to Lille, from Toulouse to Brest, symphony orchestras will open their doors for commented rehearsals, master classes, and participatory jam sessions. A rare opportunity to slip behind the conductor's stand, to see, and especially to hear, how a tutti comes together. Parents, consider signing up your kids: several groups provide small introductory instruments. Who knows, the next Thibault Cauvin might be slumbering in your living room?
Participation is free but registration is mandatory (capacity is limited). Visit lasemaineduson.org. An interactive calendar allows you to book your slot, filter by city or theme (health, AI, instrumental practice...).
The launch press conference will be held on January 8 at 9:30 AM at the headquarters of Universal Music France, with separate registration, same URL. Remember to bring an ID and, if possible, a pair of headphones: some demonstrations need to be listened to... with precision!
• Decibel (dB): a unit of sound level measurement. Each +3 dB = x2 power!
• Sound Bath: a "sound bath" using singing bowls, gongs, and alpha frequencies to promote relaxation.
• Label “Expected Quality of a Sound System”: L-Acoustics standard ensuring faithful and uniform sound reproduction, no matter the seat occupied.
Just to clarify: even though entry is free, some exceptional concerts require a "Premium" reservation (0 euros but limited seats). Don't delay.
Author Audrey on 22 November 2021
Art and Culture : Museums
Author Audrey on 21 July 2023
Art and Culture : Architecture