Bergerac, France – A concert featuring Thibault Fajoles, one of the youngest organists at Notre-Dame de Paris, is scheduled to grab place in support of the ongoing restoration of the cathedral’s choir organ. The performance, set to be held in Bergerac, will likewise showcase the talents of Nathan Degrange-Roncier, a cornettist based in Versailles. This event underscores the continued efforts to rebuild and restore Notre-Dame following the devastating fire in 2019 and highlights the importance of preserving its musical heritage.
Fajoles, appointed as assistant titular organist of the grand organ and choir organ at Notre-Dame de Paris in April 2024, brings a fresh perspective to the historic instrument. The concert aims to raise funds for the choir organ’s restoration, a project spearheaded by the association Les Amis de Saint-Jacques and the city of Bergerac. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the cultural treasures of the region and ensuring the cathedral’s musical legacy endures.
Fournie par les Amis de Saint-Jacques
A Rising Star at Notre-Dame
Thibault Fajoles’s journey to becoming an organist began at the age of 13, studying both the organ and improvisation for five years with David Cassan at the regional conservatories of Nancy and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. He is currently a student at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris (CNSMDP), studying organ with Thomas Ospital (previously with Olivier Latry until 2024) and improvisation with Thierry Escaich and Laszlo Fassang. His appointment as assistant titular organist at Notre-Dame de Paris in April 2024 marks a significant step in his career, placing him among the custodians of one of the world’s most iconic instruments. The role carries a profound responsibility, given the cathedral’s historical and cultural significance, and the organ’s central role in its liturgical life.
The Program: A Blend of Eras and Styles
The concert program promises a diverse musical experience, encompassing classical, romantic, and even film scores. Francis Chapelet, an internationally renowned organist and a prominent figure in the Périgord region, has composed a new piece specifically for the occasion, described as “brief and moving.” The repertoire will include works by André Campra, Charles Racquet, Cyprien de Rore, Giovanni Bassano, Antoine Calviere, Georges Delerue, Louis Vierne, Nathan Degrange-Roncier, Claudio Merulo, Jean Langlais, and Claude Balbastre, as well as Claudio Monteverdi. This selection demonstrates a commitment to showcasing both established masterpieces and contemporary compositions, appealing to a broad audience.
Supporting the Restoration
The restoration of the choir organ at Notre-Dame de Paris is a complex undertaking, requiring significant financial resources and skilled craftsmanship. The concert in Bergerac serves as a vital fundraising effort, directly contributing to the preservation of this invaluable instrument. The association Les Amis de Saint-Jacques, in partnership with the city of Bergerac, is actively involved in coordinating the restoration project, ensuring that the organ is restored to its former glory. The concert is free to attend, but donations will be gratefully accepted to support the ongoing restoration efforts. The event is organized by Father Patrick Giraud of the Madeleine community.
The concert is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the Chapelle de la Madeleine in Bordeaux, France. Further information about the restoration project and upcoming events can be found through Les Amis de Saint-Jacques. The next step in the restoration process is the completion of the detailed assessment of the organ’s components, scheduled for March 2026, which will inform the final restoration plan.
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