the essential
The 29th edition of the Toulouse les Orgues international festival, which takes place every year in the city with its exceptional organ heritage, will be held from October 2 to 13. This year, it will highlight artist duos. Here is our selection of five shows to go see.
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“The Planets” by Gustav Holst
To open the festival, a duo of virtuoso organists from China and Canada will perform a new transcription of Gustav Holst’s “Planets”, a work whose seven movements evoke the seven planets of the solar system, written during the First World War. This symphonic poem has inspired many composers, including John Williams. The adaptation was made especially for the organ of Saint-Sernin.
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The Great German Romantics
Mendelssohn and Brahms composed remarkable organ and vocal works, which will be performed on the organ of the Notre-Dame de la Daurade Basilica and by a choir. The solo pieces will be played by organist Martin Schmeding, a great interpreter of this repertoire and member of the jury of the International Organ Competition, hosted for the first time by the festival. In addition, the Archipels Women’s Choir will sing motets by Mendelssohn and Brahms.
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A harmonium and cello duo
The highly successful cellist Ophélie Gaillard will accompany Emmanuel Pelaprat’s harmonium. Originally called the “expressive organ”, the instrument with its many sound variations is appreciated by Romantic composers. The duo will perform French, German and specifically Toulouse works in the remarkable acoustics of the Saint-Jérôme church.
A second “complicit duo” of viola and organ will perform the following day in the Saint-Pierre-des-Chartreux church. The violist, Salomé Gasselin, has been nominated for “instrumental soloist revelation” at the 2024 Victoires de la musique classique.
The Bach recital is a must-see at the festival. It will be given by François Ménissier, winner of the Toulouse Bach Competition in 1981, in the Saint-Etienne Cathedral. The organist will explore the influence of French music in the work of the German composer by comparing some pieces by Couperin, Grigny or Raison with the most beautiful pages of Bach.
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Brass, percussion and organ
The closing concert, “Mars, God of War”, will be performed with fanfare at the Notre-Dame de la Dalbade church. It will bring together a brass and percussion ensemble and the organ. Toulouse les Orgues has commissioned a transcription of a suite from “Star Wars” for this concert. Organist Vincent Thévenaz will also play works by Messiaen.
Many other concerts and workshops, including a show for young audiences and a concert reserved for students, will be offered in Toulouse during the festival. Events are also planned in metropolitan France and the region before the festival.
