Since the beginning of 2007, the education service has offered educational activities to schools in partnership with the Aix-Marseille Academy. These activities are aimed at all school levels from primary to university.

The education service also organises teacher training and welcomes music students (conservatoire, music schools, etc.).

The Awareness Program is comprised of different activities suited to the school level and built around works presented at the Festival. There are various activities throughout the year including meetings, classroom talks, tours of scenery and costume workshops and access to a general opera rehearsal. The practical artistic program offers young people creative residential courses and a first contact with the stage (in partnership with the educational services of the Berliner Philharmoniker) as well as hands on artistic workshops.

The opening show for the 2008 Festival will be Freedom! Freedoms…, which involves children from a comprehensive vocal program worked on throughout the school year.

In order to welcome the broadest and most diverse audiences, the Festival has increased the ways in which people can get involved : the lowest prices have not been increased, special prices are planned for young people and a special Children's discovery price gives free entrance to children under 18 years old accompanied by a parent.

Thousands of festival goers will be able to watch certain concerts and shows free of charge on a large screen in friendly surroundings and ideal technical and acoustic conditions.Furthermore, the Festival is working with associations who accompany vulnerable people (from hospitals, psychiatric centres, palliative care centres, prisons, etc.) enabling them to attend rehearsals, concerts and shows as part of the Festival.