This October, Monaco resonates once again with the majestic sound of its organs as the 20th International Organ Festival takes center stage from 4 to 18 October, offering four exceptional concerts in three of the Principality’s most iconic sacred venues.
A Grand Opening at the Cathedral
The festival begins on Saturday, 4 October at 8:30 p.m. at the Monaco Cathedral, where Olivier Vernet, titular organist and artistic director of the festival, will open the celebrations with a performance dedicated to the triple jubilee of Saint Thomas Aquinas — marking 800 years since his birth, 750 since his death, and 700 since his canonisation. The program will include some of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most revered works, and visitors will also have the rare chance to view a special exhibition of the saint’s relics.
A Star of the Organ World
On Friday, 10 October, the Cathedral will host Cameron Carpenter, the celebrated American virtuoso known for redefining the boundaries of organ performance with his innovative interpretations and electrifying stage presence. His concert promises a dazzling blend of technical mastery and theatrical flair.
Between Bach and Nordic Folk
The following evening, Saturday, 11 October, the Church of Sacré-Cœur will welcome Gunnar Idenstam and Lisa Rydberg, whose unique duet intertwines the timeless elegance of Bach with the raw emotion of Scandinavian folk music — a poetic meeting of two worlds.
A Poetic Finale
The festival concludes on Saturday, 18 October, at Saint-Charles Church with the Pêr-Vari Kervarec Trio, whose Breton-inspired performance will evoke the spirit of the historic Grimaldi sites.
All concerts begin at 8:30 p.m. and are free to attend, subject to availability.
More information at festivalorguemonaco.com.