Vierne: Kyrie (Messe Solennelle) Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris ~ 2024 Tribute to Reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens: A Celebration of History, Resilience, and Faith
Step into history as the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopens its doors to the world. After years of restoration, this architectural masterpiece once again stands as a symbol of strength, beauty, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
Join us for an unforgettable series of events to mark this monumental occasion.
Grand Opening Ceremony: Witness the majestic unveiling of Notre Dame, featuring a spectacular light show that illuminates its stunning façade, celebrating its legacy through a tapestry of light and sound.
Special Performances: Experience world-renowned artists and musicians performing sacred and classical compositions inspired by the cathedral’s rich heritage, including special renditions of works by Bach, Fauré, and other timeless composers.
Choral Elegance: Be moved by the harmonious voices of international choirs performing under the awe-inspiring vaulted ceilings, resonating with the cathedral’s grandeur.
Bells of Notre Dame: Hear the iconic bells ring out once more in a resounding celebration, a moment that unites hearts around the globe.
Experience the Rebirth of a Legend
Notre Dame Cathedral invites you to celebrate its reopening as a beacon of hope and cultural heritage.
Rediscover Notre Dame – where past, present, and future converge in divine harmony
Vierne: Kyrie (Messe Solennelle)
The reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 7, 2024, was marked by a series of events featuring performances by renowned artists. The ceremony began with the ringing of the cathedral bells and included a short religious service with organ improvisations by Olivier Latry, Vincent Dubois, Thierry Escaich, and Thibault Fajoles. The cathedral choir, directed by Henri Chalet, performed various choral pieces, including the Te Deum and a new setting of the Magnificat composed by Yves Castagnet.
The Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris is the renowned boys' choir of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Founded in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious choral institutions in the world. The choir performs a wide range of choral works, including Gregorian chant, polyphony, and contemporary compositions, often during the religious services and important liturgical events held at the cathedral.
The Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris is known for its high musical standards and has performed at major international venues and events, such as the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral after its reconstruction in 2024. The choir has a rich tradition of nurturing young talent and maintaining a deep connection with the sacred music of centuries past, while also embracing new musical horizons.
Under the direction of various acclaimed conductors over the centuries, the Maîtrise has continued to be an important cultural institution, preserving the legacy of Gregorian chant and contributing to the music scene in Paris and beyond.
Henri Chalet is a French choral conductor known for his work with the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the most prestigious boy choirs in the world. Born in Paris, France, Chalet has dedicated his career to the development and training of young singers within this historic institution.
Chalet took over as the director of the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris in 2002. Under his leadership, the choir has continued its tradition of excellence, performing a diverse repertoire that spans Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary music. The choir regularly participates in major liturgical ceremonies at Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as performing in concerts across France and internationally.
His commitment to musical education and the preservation of sacred music has made him a respected figure in the world of choral conducting. Henri Chalet is also active as a composer and arranger, contributing to the Maîtrise’s rich musical tradition and adapting works for young voices.
Yves Castagnet is a French composer, conductor, and organist known for his contributions to choral and organ music. Born in Toulouse, France, Castagnet has a strong background in both music education and performance. He studied at the Toulouse Conservatoire and later at the Paris Conservatoire, where he focused on organ, improvisation, and composition.
Castagnet has worked extensively with choral ensembles and has been a major figure in the development of new music for young voices, including contributions to the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris, where he has been involved in creating new works specifically tailored to the choir’s needs. His compositions are known for their lyrical quality, accessibility, and ability to convey deep emotion through music.
In addition to his choral work, Yves Castagnet has also composed organ music and chamber pieces. He is a sought-after conductor and teacher, frequently invited to lead workshops and masterclasses around the world. His compositions continue to be performed by choirs and ensembles globally, reflecting his dedication to advancing the art of choral music.
Thierry Escaich is a prominent French composer, organist, and improviser known for his innovative approach to organ music and contemporary classical compositions. Born on March 29, 1965, in Paris, France, Escaich began his musical training at an early age, studying organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire.
Escaich has enjoyed a distinguished career as a concert organist, performing extensively in prestigious venues around the world. His performances are characterized by a high level of technical skill and a deep emotional expression, often blending traditional forms with contemporary techniques. He is known for his improvisational abilities, which are a hallmark of his organ recitals and compositions.
As a composer, Thierry Escaich is known for works that range from choral and orchestral music to chamber pieces. His compositions often explore themes of spirituality, drama, and human emotion, combining modern harmonic language with traditional structures. Escaich’s music has been performed by major orchestras and ensembles, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts.
He also holds the position of titulaire organist at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church in Paris, where he continues to be a leading figure in the French organ music scene. Thierry Escaich remains an influential and versatile artist, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of both organ performance and contemporary music.
Thibault Fajoles is a French choral conductor known for his work with some of the most prestigious choral ensembles in France, including the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris. Born in Paris, France, Fajoles has made significant contributions to the world of choral music, both as a conductor and an educator.
Fajoles studied choral conducting and organ at the Toulouse Conservatoire and later at the Paris Conservatoire. His passion for choral music has led him to develop a deep understanding of vocal techniques and repertoire, and he is known for his innovative approach to training young singers.
He became the director of the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris in 2021, following a distinguished career in various choral and educational roles. Under his leadership, the choir continues to perform a diverse repertoire that includes Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, Romantic works, and contemporary compositions. Fajoles is dedicated to fostering a strong choral tradition while encouraging creative expression among young musicians.
In addition to his work with the Maîtrise, Thibault Fajoles is also active as a guest conductor and teacher, frequently leading workshops and masterclasses. His commitment to musical excellence and the development of young talent makes him a respected figure in the choral music community.
Olivier Latry is a renowned French organist known for his virtuosity and expressive interpretations. Born on February 22, 1962, in Tours, France, he began his musical studies at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied organ under Gaston Litaize and improvisation under Michel Chapuis.
Latry has enjoyed a distinguished international career as a solo organist, performing with major orchestras and at prominent venues around the world, including Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. He is one of the principal organists at Notre-Dame, a position he has held since 1985, making him one of the leading authorities on the instrument.
In addition to his concert performances, Latry is a passionate educator and has taught organ at the Paris Conservatoire since 1985. He is known for his innovative approach to the organ and has been an advocate for contemporary organ music, commissioning and premiering numerous works. Olivier Latry continues to inspire audiences with his technical mastery and deep musical insight.
Vincent Dubois is a French organist and conductor known for his exceptional skills and versatility as a musician. Born in 1976 in Paris, France, he began his musical training at an early age, studying organ and improvisation at the Paris Conservatoire under notable teachers such as Marie-Claire Alain and Michel Chapuis.
Dubois has performed as a soloist and with orchestras around the world, bringing a unique blend of tradition and innovation to his interpretations. He is also known for his extensive work in choral and orchestral conducting, having led many prestigious ensembles including the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris and the Paris Choral Society.
As an organist, Dubois is particularly celebrated for his improvisational skills and has performed at major festivals and venues including Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he played as part of the cathedral’s reopening ceremony in December 2024. His repertoire spans from classical to contemporary works, showcasing his deep knowledge and passion for the organ. Vincent Dubois continues to be an influential figure in the world of organ music and classical performance.
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