Moselle. Forbach: a Peruvian organ for the Marienau church, a crowdfunding campaign launched

In the choir of the church of Marienau, the assembly of the Peruvian organ , a copy of an original instrument installed in the Sistine Chapel of the Andes, in Andahuaylillas, not far from Cuzco, has begun. The largest parts, the case in particular, were transported from the Saint-Ulrich convent in Sarrebourg, where it resonated for almost twenty years. The action, the pipes (there are 480 of them!), the keyboards, the pedals are still stored at Freddy Bauer , drug manufacturer, in Sarralbe. "We have had a platform built, which should arrive soon. The assembly can resume next week," enthuses Thierry Ferré, the driving force behind the Friends of the Forbach Organs.

This instrument has a unique history. In Sarrebourg, in 2007, the International Center for Baroque Paths invited students and teachers from the Labroise high school to create a copy of a Peruvian organ, dating from 1610, typical of South America at that time, colorful and ornate. The decoration of the shutters, for example, is reproduced identically. It was with this instrument that the Friends of Saint-Ulrich, led by Alain Pacquier, brought South American music to Lorraine, but today they are leaving the convent, packing their bags and... organ.

The Friends of the Forbach Organs and the Marienau parish want to acquire it. "For now, it's only been made available to us for a year; the Friends of Saint-Ulrich officially retain ownership," explains Pierre Heintz, president of the church council. "This instrument is a godsend. At the church, we only have a small electronic organ." With the same character as the instrument in the triforium of Metz Cathedral, the Peruvian organ will be able to enliven services. "We will also be able to showcase it during the concerts we organize; we will be able to present a specific repertoire, particularly Renaissance music," announces Thierry Ferré, also a professor at the Forbach Conservatory. The instrument will be able to be used by students in the organ class, the largest in the department. "Near the Marienau school, links will need to be developed so that children can discover this musical heritage. This instrument will be the only Renaissance-style organ in Eastern Moselle." It will enrich Forbach's heritage. Few towns can boast of having so many instruments."

The final acquisition of this Peruvian organ, the move, and the installation are estimated at €90,000. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on the Ulule platform. Sponsorship of each pipe is also possible. With several choirs, a musical evening will present the project, this Saturday, May 17, starting at 7 p.m., at the Marienau church. The first part will allow viewers to watch a film recounting the exploits of the Chemins du baroque in Latin America, of which the coveted organ is the fruit. The welcome concert is announced for Sunday, June 22.