Plein-Jeu à Saint-Séverin
“Plein-Jeu à Saint-Séverin” association
The association
Plein-Jeu à Saint-Séverin, an association created in January 2013, has the mission of promoting the influence of the great organ of Saint-Séverin, as well as the associated cultural and artistic life.
Inscribed in its time, the association's mission is concretized by the proposal of concert seasons, bringing together experienced organists, future professionals from the C.N.M.S.D of Paris and Lyon and the CRR-Pôle Supérieur of Paris, as well as young talents from the class of the neighboring Conservatoire in the 5th arrondissement. Music from the 20th and 21st centuries is regularly played there, such as, for example, the complete cycle of La Nativité du Seigneur by Olivier MESSIEAN by Daniel ROTH in 1988 (in the presence of the composer), DARASSE by DARASSE in 1972 or the commission made to Valéry AUBERTIN in 2024 for the 60th anniversary of the organ.
Proud of the history of this prestigious gallery and its holders, the association also organized tributes to Jean BOYER (in 2014 on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his death) and to Michel CHAPUIS (in 2018-19, following his death on November 12, 2017), which brought together many admirers – artists and listeners alike – of this gallery and its musicians, in the always friendly atmosphere characteristic of this parish and its cloister.
In this 2024-25 season, the association is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the reconstructed organ, with a program which, while retaining the diversity of performers, reflects the richness of the great organ (sometimes associated with the choir organ and the portable organ – discover the instruments of Saint-Séverin here ) and the repertoires that it best serves (from the French and German 17th-18th centuries, up to contemporary creation). Discover the entire program for this season on the dedicated page .
Why “Plein-Jeu”?
The organ built in 1745, the case of which remains today, modified several times, was the subject of reconstruction in 1963 at the initiative of Michel CHAPUIS, an emblematic figure in the organ world. The new instrument then allows organists to play both French and German repertoires from the 18th century.
This is a revolution in the world of the organ, at a time when it was fashionable to have “all-player” instruments, all looking the same, without any particular personality.
In 2010, the instrument showing signs of significant wear, the City of Paris undertook its restoration and entrusted the great organ to Quentin BLUMENROEDER. The Grand Plein-Jeu, harmonized with the assistance of Dominique THOMAS and Jean-Marie TRICOTEAUX and so particular to the organ of Saint-Séverin, regains its brilliance of 1964 and is unanimously appreciated. There are many organists from all over the world who ask to play the instrument.
Current bureau
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Catherine GUASTAVINO, president
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Michel CHEVALIER, vice-president
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Alain MATOUX, treasurer
Our partners
We thank the partners who support and accompany us.
