Like every year, this original event will bring all its splendor to Toulouse, which is home to an exceptional organistic heritage. Remember that, among the 30 organs in Toulouse, nine are classified as historical monuments, while the region still has 370. Since 2014, Yves Rechsteiner has been entrusted with the artistic direction of the festival.

Pipe organ and amazing encounters

Over time, Toulouse les Orgues has become an event, a place which brings together audiences from all walks of life and fans of all musical styles. The pipe organ, with a thousand-year-old history, has become the pretext for surprising encounters and unexpected artistic creations.

Almost 40 events

During this 26^e editing, more than 40 events linked to the instrument-king will stage the organs of Toulouse: recitals but also concerts with various instruments, but also with choirs.

In addition, Toulouse les Orgues tells this year of bird singers and pre-Columbian flutes around a medieval organetto. To celebrate Astor Piazzola, we will discover a duo between accordionist Lionel Suarez and the great organist Thierry Escaich, and finally will be hosted the premiere of “Bach Metamorphosis”, a project in which the music of Bach, played by Yves Rechsteiner, comes into play. resonates with the art of contortionist Lise Pauton.

Many preview programs are also offered, initiated by Toulouse les Orgues, as well as creations, but also nuggets of the repertoire that we always enjoy listening to.

“Gloria” at the opening

Some artists invited for the first time to Toulouse will sit alongside musicians who were involved in the early days of the Festival. Thus, under the title “Gloria”, the opening concert on Wednesday October 6, 2021 in the basilica of Notre Dame la Daurade reunited The Elements Chamber Choir, conducted by Joël Suhubiette, and Belgian organist Mathias Lecomte.

More than ever, Toulouse les Orgues marks in 2021 its support for organists at the start of their careers, sometimes even at the end of their training cycle.

An international competition

First, with the 13^e International organ competition where 13 candidates selected from all over the world will compete against others during public concerts.

Then, by invitations to play at “Young Talents” concerts, “Nuits du Gesu”, shows for young audiences, “Yo[r]ga ”, or“ Tell me about the organ ”. Through partnerships with higher education establishments in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, some of these musicians will lead various missions as part of a professional immersion in the Festival.

Return of two organs after restoration

Among the expected events, let us point out the return of two instruments to the heart of the Festival, after long restoration work: the organs of the St-Jérôme church and those of the Notre-Dame la Daurade basilica.

Other musical events will reveal to the public the unexpected facets of the instrument. As Yves Rechsteiner, the director of the event, indicates: “This Festival is particularly rich and diverse so that everyone can fully experience the intensity of the show, this communion around music, this need for Beauty and this desire to vibrate in the world. son of our organs! A real festival for 25 years of existence! “.

Serge Chauzy

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