Alençon-Sées Organ Festival

Two exceptional instruments

The Alençon-Sées Organ Festival showcases two of the finest organs in Normandy. The Cathedral of Sées, a masterpiece of Norman Gothic art, houses the grand Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organs, carefully restored, whose majestic sound fills the ancient nave. The Basilica Notre-Dame d'Alençon, a place of pilgrimage linked to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, possesses a remarkable organ that contributes to the musical renown of the city.

A quality program

Each summer, the festival hosts about ten renowned organists, French and international, who perform alternately from July to August between the two buildings. Concerts are held on Sundays, alternating between Sées and Alençon, allowing the public to discover both instruments and architectures in a single musical journey.

Recognized performers

Over the years, the festival has hosted leading organists. The 2025 edition notably featured Yves Cuenot, Thibault Fajoles, Pierre Queval, Emmanuel Duperrey, Catherine Gouillard, Richard Moore, Quentin Guérillot, and Aurélien Fillion, offering a rich panorama of contemporary organ performance.

A musical and architectural heritage

The festival contributes to the enhancement of the religious and musical heritage of the Orne region. The Cathedral of Sées, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the Basilica of Alençon, a flamboyant Gothic church from the 15th century, offer two complementary acoustics that enhance the organ repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music.

The Friends of the Organs of Alençon

The Association des Amis des Orgues d'Alençon (Friends of the Organs of Alençon Association), co-organizer of the festival since 2017, works throughout the year to promote and maintain the organ of the Basilica Notre-Dame. Its commitment ensures the sustainability of this major cultural event and keeps the organ heritage of Alençon alive.

A moment of grace

In the cool of the naves, the organ concerts offer a unique immersive experience, where music dialogues with architecture. The ancient vaults, the light filtered through stained glass, and the power of the organ create an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and musical emotion.