The CNIMA Jacques Mornet, a French accordion school with international reach, celebrates its 30th anniversary
A musical celebration with the great names of the accordion – October 3, 4 & 5, 2025

The CNIMA (National and International Center for Music and Accordion), founded in 1995 by professor Jacques Mornet and virtuoso accordionist Nathalie Boucheix, is celebrating 30 years of pedagogical excellence. Nestled in the picturesque setting of the Massif du Sancy, in Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne, CNIMA enjoys worldwide recognition in accordion teaching — and today also in piano, guitar, singing, and jazz.

Nathalie Boucheix was presented the very prestigious CIA Merit Award on the 27th of September, 2025 at the 2025 Coupe Mondiale in Sarajevo. Link to article

30 years of teaching, 30 years of success
Over three decades, CNIMA has trained several generations of accordionists who now carry the instrument’s prestige across France and around the globe.

• Félicien Brut, who began studying at CNIMA at the age of 11, shone during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and now performs with some of the world’s leading classical ensembles.
• Vincent Lhermet, another alumnus, became the first French accordionist to earn a performer’s doctorate; he now teaches at the prestigious CNSMD of Paris.
• In musette, Anaïs Bessières, Maxime D’Errico, and Diego Gatte represent the new generation, while co-founder Nathalie Boucheix remains a leading figure.
• In contemporary music and jazz, the school has also seen the rise of talents such as Jean-Baptiste Baudin, winner of major international accordion competitions and a rising star of jazz manouche in France alongside the renowned Angelo Debarre.

An exceptional musical weekend
All these artists, trained at CNIMA, will gather for a unique weekend of concerts to honor the school and its distinctive teaching method.

From Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, 2025, the public is invited to enjoy:

• A grand classical concert featuring Félicien Brut and Vincent Lhermet,
• A festive accordion dance gala with Anaïs Bessières, Nathalie Boucheix, Maxime D’Errico, Diego Gatte, Florine Malherbe, accompanied by the orchestras of Fabien Perez and Diego Gatte,
• A convivial evening with aperitif, a retrospective film screening, and an open stage,
• A Jazz & Contemporary Music concert, showcasing accordionists JB Baudin & Volodymyr Kashuta, pianists Christian & André Mornet, guitarist Sam Tallet, and singers Alexia Mornet & Elisa Heyte.

The concerts will take place across several towns in the Sancy area, including La Bourboule, Rochefort-Montagne, and Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne.

Practical Information

• Online ticketing: www.cnima.com/concerts
• Prices: €15 per concert (€6 for under 12s, free for under 6s). Full weekend pass: €49.
• Catering: convivial meal on Saturday evening (€18, children under 12: €8).
• Accommodation: available at CNIMA.
• Press contact:  communication@cnima.com