This winter, why not let music guide you through the hidden treasures of Versailles? From November 30 to December 21, 2025, the Versailles au son des orguesfestival invites curious visitors, music lovers, and strollers to rediscover the city through a series of free concerts held at various heritage sites. Under the artistic direction of Jean-Baptiste Robin, renowned organist and professor at the CRR in Versailles, this 15th edition gives pride of place to young musicians, bringing together established artists and promising young talents in an eclectic program.
The event is part of a desire to promote the musical heritage of the city, renowned for its exceptional instruments. Far from being a simple tribute to the past, the festival opens up new perspectives by exploring classical, contemporary, and little-known works, offering an immersive sound experience in the unique atmosphere of Versailles' churches. The acoustic design of each venue enhances the nuances, improvisations, and compositions that resonate throughout the month of December.
Far from being reserved for insiders, Versailles au son des orgues offers a sound journey accessible to all, designed to arouse curiosity and wonder. Whether you are passionate about early music, a lover of sacred music, or simply looking for a contemplative interlude during the end-of-year preparations, this festival welcomes you with open arms. Each concert is free, with no reservation required, creating a spontaneous connection between the audience, the venues, and the musicians. You will be able to hear the city's most beautiful organs, often in churches with a hushed atmosphere conducive to listening.
However, if you are looking for a noisy, festive outing focused on contemporary music, this event will probably not meet your expectations. It is primarily aimed at those who want to slow down, immerse themselves in a soothing soundscape, or discover majestic instruments that are often overlooked. It is also ideal for families who want to introduce their children to a different kind of concert, or for those who are passionate about history and musical heritage.
Saint-Louis Cathedral – 4:00 p.m.
Organ recital
Organ: Emmanuel Arakélian (Saint-Maximin la Sainte-Baume)
Works by Boëly, Mendelssohn, Schumann
Notre-Dame Church, Versailles – 5:00 p.m.
Cantatas by Bach
Les Harmoniques ensemble and the Saint-Julien Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Jean-François Frémont
Organ: Matthieu Jolivet
Works: Cantatas BWV 62 and BWV 109
Notre-Dame des Armées Church – 5 p.m.
Advent Concert
Organ: Odilon Formery
Works by Bach, Daquin, Vierne, Duruflé
Paroisse Saint-Michel – 3:30 p.m.
Sonatas for flute and organ
Songyeon Im (organ) and Seoyoung Cho (flute)
Works by Handel and Bach
Saint-Louis Cathedral – 4:00 p.m.
Organ recital
Organ: Jean-Baptiste Monnot (St-Ouen de Rouen)
Works by Bach, Franck, Brahms, Liszt
Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc Church – 4:00 p.m.
Johann Sebastian Bach recital
Organ: Andoni Andrada
Works: Prelude and fugue BWV 537, 541, 543, Concerto BWV 596, chorales
Notre-Dame Church, Versailles – 4:30 p.m.
French Clarities: from Fauré to Duruflé
Carminis Aetas Ensemble
Conductor: Jean-François Frémont
Organs: Matthieu Jolivet and Gaëtan Jarry
Works by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Duruflé
Notre-Dame des Armées Church – 5:00 p.m.
Advent Concert
Organ: Olivier Chardonnet
Works by Brunckhorst, Bach, Daquin, Gigout
Temple de Versailles – 5 p.m.
Splendors of Christmas
Vocal and instrumental ensemble Les Plaisirs de Versailles
Conductor: Serge Raban
Organ: Kunio Yamaoka
Works by Bach, Van Lübeck, Corelli, Purcell, traditional Christmas carols
Saint-Louis Cathedral – 4 p.m.
Organ hour: The art of transcription
Isabelle Lagors (harp) and Christian Ott (organ)
Works by Fauré, Granados, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Lefébure-Wély, etc.
Notre-Dame Church, Versailles – 4:00 p.m.
Recital for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Maurice Ravel
Organ: Jean-Baptiste Robin (Royal Chapel of Versailles)
Works: Le Tombeau de Couperin, Ma Mère l’Oye (Ravel), Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Debussy)
Saint-Germain Church, Le Chesnay – 5:30 p.m.
The virtuoso organ
Organ: Songyeon Im (South Korea), winner of the Dudelange International Competition
Works by Bach, Schumann, Widor, Vierne
Versailles Synagogue – 8:00 p.m.
Spiritual Melodies
Tamilla Sarimsakova (organ) and Jean-Marc Turpin (tenor)
Works by Franck, Gounod, Schubert, Bach, Mozart
Royal Chapel – 5:30 p.m.
Musical Thursday: Christmas Concert
With the Pages, Chantres, and Choirs of the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles
Conductors: Emmanuelle Gal, Clément Buonomo, Fabien Armengaud
Organs: Émilie Rousseau and Nathan Ringkamp
Works: Christmas Mass (Sébastien de Brossard), motets by Poulenc, Christmas carols for organ
Free admission, subject to availability
Notre-Dame Church of Versailles – 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Concert
Saint-Julien Symphony and Maîtrise de Notre-Dame
Conductor: Jean-François Frémont
Organs: Matthieu Jolivet and Tamilla Sarimsakova
Works: Lutheran Christmas Mass (Praetorius, Buxtehude, etc.)
Sainte-Élisabeth Church – 4:00 p.m.
Organ and cello
Kieran Cremins (organ) and John Kim (cello)
Works by Max Bruch, Joseph Rheinberger, Arvo Pärt, Gabriel Fauré
Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc Church – 8:30 p.m.
Nox Luminis: Music for Advent
Marion Verslype (mezzo-soprano), Patricia Weber (soprano), Lysiane Boulva (organ)
Works by Clérambault, Nivers, Guilain, Du Mont
Notre-Dame des Armées Church – 5 p.m.
Advent Concert
Organs: Émilie Rousseau and Nathan Ringkamp
Works by Bach, Franck, Liszt, Duruflé
DuringAdvent, the city of Versailles takes on a special charm. Winter lights mingle with the resonance of organs to create an enveloping, almost cinematic atmosphere. You might decide to treat yourself to a moment of respite between two Christmas errands, or extend your winter stroll with a musical break in a church. Each concert is an invitation to relax and discover, in a setting that is both intimate and grandiose.
The festival also stands out for its commitment to passing on knowledge, showcasing young organists trained at the Versailles Conservatory. It is an opportunity to discover a new generation of performers, sometimes accompanied by choirs or other instruments, in short and accessible formats. The alternation between classical pieces, improvisations, and modern works guarantees a variety of tones and emotions, for a renewed experience at each concert.
Supported by the city of Versailles, Versailles au son des orgues has established itself as an unmissable cultural event at the end of the year, at the crossroads of heritage, music, and transmission. Its open format and no registration requirement encourage spontaneous exploration, wandering between participating sites, and encountering a living heritage.
If you are curious to experience a timeless moment at the crossroads of history, music, and spirituality, this festival awaits you. Take the time to listen, discover, and feelthe musical soul of Versailles in a privileged setting that is accessible to all.
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Dates and Opening Time
From November 30, 2025 to December 21, 2025
Location
Versailles
78000 Versailles
78000 Versailles
Official website
www.versaillesorgues.com
More information
Free admission. All concerts are free to attend (except December 18).
