Ars in Cathedrali Festival to Honor 25th Anniversary of Grenzing Organ
The “Ars in Cathedrali” Festival will commence every Tuesday evening at 8 PM from July 29 to August 26 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the renowned Grenzing organ at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula in Brussels, reports 24brussels.
Installed in the spring of 2000, the organ, crafted by Gerhard Grenzing, consists of three cases, including a central organ with a console and four manuals, flanked by pedal turrets. Its unique swallow’s nest design enables optimal acoustic properties, utilizing the cathedral’s architecture for sound reflection.
This configuration is one of the oldest seen in significant churches and cathedrals, paralleling similar organs found in historic locations in France and Germany, such as Metz, Chartres, and Cologne.
Vincent Dubois, the titular organist at Notre-Dame de Paris, will be among the performers, showcasing his expertise as a soloist at various international festivals. Since 2016, he has collaborated with Philippe Lefèbvre and Olivier Latry at Notre-Dame and is known for his dynamic performances and improvisations.
The festival features a diverse lineup. On July 29, Lorenzo Ghelmi will present a program entitled “Sur les traces de Johann-Sebastian Bach,” highlighting works such as the “Toccata, Adagio e Fuga” and various fantasias by Bach.
Subsequent performances include Xavier Deprez on August 5, focusing on Rameau and Handel, and Arnaud Van De Cauter on August 12, presenting a recital dedicated to Dietrich Buxtehude. Bart Jacobs will explore German Romanticism on August 19, while Vincent Dubois concludes the festival on August 26 with compositions from Bach, Saint-Saëns, and Duruflé.
This festival not only commemorates the organ’s significance but also enriches the cultural tapestry of Brussels, attracting local and international audiences to experience its sound. The event emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and artistry within the historic cathedral setting.
