The king of instruments according to Mozart
Starting 10th July, the 6th International Organ Festival opens all the stops, with a concert every Sunday throughout July and August. For the second year running it takes place in Saint Charles Church and features great organists from around the world. Each artist has chosen a program to show off their abilities as well as the magnificent pipes of the church's Tamburini organ.
This year's program (see below) includes 2 performances where the organ shares the stage, first with a silent movie, second with a piano. A "cine concert" on 31st July includes a screening of the 1926 film Mare Nostrum, with an improvised live organ track played by Jean-Philippe Le Trevou. The following week sees a tribute concert to Franz Liszt celebrating 200 years since the composer's birth. Three of Liszt's symphonic poems have been arranged for piano and organ and are featured on 7th August. The festival ends with a concert by 2 young, talented organists who will play the organ together - 4 hands and 4 feet.
Next year the festival is scheduled to return to Monaco Cathedral. Saint Charles Church has hosted the event while a new organ was being built for the Cathedral. This is now in place and in the process of being tuned. It will be played for the first time in public during the 19th November National Day celebrations.
All concerts are free of charge. For more information phone +377 98 98 83 03 or visit the website here: 6e Festival International d'Orgue de Monaco.
- Olivier Vernet and Laurent Cabasso
