Silbermann Organ Festival of Saint-Quirin

An exceptional Silbermann organ

The Silbermann Organ Festival of Saint-Quirin is inseparable from the instrument at its heart: the Jean-André Silbermann organ, built in 1746 and classified as a historic monument. This organ, one of the most remarkable by the Silbermann family, genius organ builders from Alsace in the 18th century, is installed in the priory church of Saint-Quirin, a religious building that overlooks this village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The exceptional sound of this baroque instrument attracts organists and music lovers from all over the world each year.

A five-Sunday festival

The festival unfolds over five consecutive Sundays in June, with each concert taking place from 5 PM to 7 PM in the priory church. This extended format allows music lovers to return each week to discover a different program and performer, creating an anticipated Sunday musical event for local residents and passing tourists.

Internationally renowned organists

Each year, the festival invites leading organists from France and abroad. Among the performers who have played the Silbermann organ are professors from prestigious music academies, titular organists of renowned churches, and specialists in baroque music. In 2025, the festival will notably feature Helmut Deutsch, organ professor at the Musikhochschule in Stuttgart, who will perform works by Couperin, Böhm, Mozart, and Bach.

A repertoire focused on baroque

The festival's programming naturally emphasizes the baroque repertoire, which suits the sounds and capabilities of the Silbermann organ. Works by Bach, Couperin, Buxtehude, Böhm, and other composers from the 17th and 18th centuries form the core of the programs. Explorations into the classical (Mozart, Haydn) and romantic repertoire complement this exploration of organ literature.

A charming village in Southern Moselle

Saint-Quirin, located in the heart of the Pays de Sarrebourg in Southern Moselle, is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This picturesque village, nestled in the Moselle Vosges, offers an enchanting setting for the festival. The priory church, with its two towers dominating the hilly landscape, provides a remarkable architectural setting for the organ concerts. Visitors can extend their visit by discovering the heritage of Saint-Quirin and its wooded surroundings.

Free admission and accessibility

The Silbermann Festival is free, with a collection plate at the end of each concert. This choice by the Association des Amis de l'Orgue Silbermann (Friends of the Silbermann Organ Association), which has organized the festival for many years, makes organ music accessible to the widest possible audience and introduces this magnificent instrument to people who might not otherwise have entered a classical concert hall.