Biennale de l'Orgue
The monumental organ of the Auditorium de Lyon in all its states
About Biennale de l'Orgue
The Biennale de l'Orgue de Lyon is an unprecedented event dedicated to one of the most prestigious instruments in France: the grand Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Auditorium, with its 6,500 pipes and 82 stops. For a week, recitals, cine-concerts, conferences, and shows for young audiences will reveal all facets of this monumental instrument, blending classical repertoire with contemporary creation. An event that anchors the organ in today's society by crossing music, ecology, and imagination.
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A historic instrument at the heart of an innovative festival
Inaugurated in January 2026, the Biennale de l'Orgue is the very first festival entirely dedicated to the grand organ of the Auditorium de Lyon. This exceptional instrument, built in 1878 by the renowned builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll for the Universal Exhibition and the Trocadéro Palace in Paris, has 82 stops and approximately 6,500 pipes. Transferred to Lyon in 1977 during the construction of the Auditorium, it is today one of the largest symphonic organs in France.
A week of musical and sensory discoveries
The Biennale de l'Orgue offers a rich and varied program, designed for all audiences. On the program: recitals by great international organists, a cine-concert of Murnau's silent film Tabou performed by Karol Mossakowski, round tables on the links between art and ecology, a symphonic concert mixing organ and orchestra with the piece “Le souffle de la forêt,” and a family concert “Promenade en forêt” accessible from age 7. The week concludes with a recital by British organist James McVinnie, a figure of the minimalist scene, performing works by Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, and Olivier Messiaen.
The organ in the service of ecological reflection
The common thread of this first edition: the beauty and fragility of our planet. The organ, a wind instrument par excellence, becomes the vehicle for a sonic meditation that transports the audience from Bora-Bora to California, inviting environmental awareness through music. This original approach, championed by composer Grégoire Rolland, makes the Biennale a unique event in the French musical landscape.
An event destined to grow
Supported by the Auditorium-Orchestre national de Lyon under the musical direction of Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, the Biennale de l'Orgue aims to become a major event on the European organ scene. By appealing to both discerning music lovers and families and neophytes, it opens wide the doors to one of the most spectacular instruments in French musical heritage.
Biennale de l'Orgue — edition 2026
First edition of the Biennale de l'Orgue at the Auditorium de Lyon. A week of recitals, cine-concerts, conferences, and shows for young audiences around the grand Cavaillé-Coll organ.
1st edition — January 2026
The Biennale de l'Orgue inaugurates its first edition from January 6 to 11, 2026, at the Auditorium de Lyon. On the program for this exceptional week: a presentation of the instrument with Claire Delamarche and composer Grégoire Rolland (January 6), a cine-concert of Murnau's film Tabou by organist Karol Mossakowski (January 7), a round table “Arts and Ecology” (January 8), a family concert “Promenade en forêt” (January 10), the symphonic concert “Le souffle de la forêt” with James McVinnie and Grégoire Rolland (January 10), and a recital “Dream Catcher” by James McVinnie mixing Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, and Messiaen (January 11).
Programme Biennale de l'Orgue 2026
Program
- Tuesday, January 6: Organ presentation (free)
- Wednesday, January 7: Cine-concert Tabou (Karol Mossakowski)
- Thursday, January 8: Round table Arts and Ecology (free)
- Saturday, January 10: Family concert “Promenade en forêt” (from age 7) + Symphonic concert “Le souffle de la forêt”
- Sunday, January 11: Recital “Dream Catcher” (James McVinnie)
Highlights Biennale de l'Orgue 2026
- First edition of the Biennale de l'Orgue
- 1878 Cavaillé-Coll grand organ, 82 stops, 6,500 pipes
- Murnau's Tabou cine-concert
- James McVinnie recital (Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Messiaen)
- Family concert from age 7
- Free events (presentation, round table)
Prices Biennale de l'Orgue 2026
Practical information — Biennale de l'Orgue
Access
Auditorium-Orchestre national de Lyon, 149 rue Garibaldi, 69003 Lyon. Located in the Part-Dieu district, the Auditorium is easily accessible.
By metro: Line B, Part-Dieu station. By tramway: Lines T1 and T4, Part-Dieu stop.
By car: Part-Dieu parking nearby.
Prices
Some events are free (organ presentation, round table). Recitals and symphonic concerts: prices vary depending on the performance. Online ticketing at billetterie.auditorium-lyon.com or by phone at 04 78 95 95 95.
Information
Auditorium-Orchestre national de Lyon — Tel: 04 78 95 95 95 — www.auditorium-lyon.com
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Where does it take place — Biennale de l'Orgue
Auditorium de Lyon
149 rue Garibaldi, 69003 Lyon