Organza Festival

Organza Festival: The Musical Renaissance of Cheviré-le-Rouge

The Organza Festival was born in 2025 from an exceptional heritage adventure: the restoration and inauguration of the organ in the church of Cheviré-le-Rouge, a delegated commune of Baugé-en-Anjou. This remarkable instrument, silent for a long time, has regained its voice thanks to the mobilization of the Association des Amis de l'Orgue de Cheviré-le-Rouge, which then imagined a festival to give it a lasting musical life.

An Intimate Festival in the Heart of Baugeois

Designed as an accessible and unifying cultural meeting place, Organza uses the organ as a starting point for programming open to all repertoires. The concerts take place in the church of Cheviré-le-Rouge, whose acoustics and architecture offer an ideal setting for ancient and classical music. Each edition offers several musical events spread from spring to summer, combining organ recitals, duets with trumpet, vocal and instrumental ensembles, and original creations.

A Successful First Edition

The first season, in 2025, brought together over 1,000 spectators for three major concerts: a recital by Michel Alabau, honorary organist of Saint-Séverin in Paris, the inaugural concert of the organ by Henri-Franck Beaupérin, and an organ and trumpet duet with Thomas Pellerin, titular organist of Angers Cathedral, and David Gardette. This popular success confirmed the relevance of the project and encouraged the organizers to continue with even more ambitious programming.

An Audacious Second Season

For its second season in 2026, Organza affirms its desire for openness and diversification with richer and more audacious programming. Organist Philippe Bataille and the ensemble Musica de Cheviré-le-Rouge, the Duo Hormé with Pauline Koundouno-Chabert on the organ and Jean Pradère on the trumpet, as well as Titi Robin and Francis Varis in a unique dialogue between organ, guitar, and bouzouki, make up a lineup that crosses genres and musical horizons.

The Organ as a Driver of Culture in Rural Areas

Beyond the concerts, the Organza Festival embodies a commitment to cultural revitalization in rural areas. By highlighting the musical and architectural heritage of Baugeois, hosting nationally renowned artists, and offering accessible prices (free entry for under 18s), the festival contributes to the influence of the region and the democratization of classical and ancient music.