Notre Dame de Paris- new appointment causes some disquiet

[Arp Schnitger]

Notre Dame de Paris have announced their new team of organists ahead of the reopening of the Cathedral.

https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/nomination-de-quatre-organistes-a-notre-dame-de-paris/

However, the sidelining of long-standing organists Philippe Lefevre (co-titulaire des Grandes orgues) and Johann Vexo (assistant/deputy choir organist) and the appointment of a 21 year old student as one of the team, without a competition, has caused some disquiet in the French professional organist community. The appointment has also been made of Thierry Escaich as one of the co-titulaires, though the petition seems to accept this on the basis of his established record.

https://www.change.org/p/notre-dame-de-paris-à-nouveau-en-feu-contre-la-nomination-des-futurs-organistes
(there is a translation halfway down the page)

Also find biographies of the new team at https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Biographies-Organistes-titulaires-de-Notre-Dame.pdf

 

[Choir Man]

It should be borne in mind that Philip Lefebvre is now 75 years old and Jean-Pierre Leguay will shortly be 85. Both formally retired following the fire and have been appointed organist emeritus which is, at it seems to me, what would be expected. I'm sure both will have the opportunity to play following the re-opening of the cathedral.

Johann Vexo now holds two teaching posts in Strasbourg as well as being Titulaire at Nancy. Perhaps he didn't want to return to Paris, we don't know.

I'm not sure what the petitioners hope to acheive by asking for the clock to be wound back 5 years. Had the fire not happened, would we expect the same team that was at the cathedral in 2019 to be unchanged in 2024?

Of course we don't know what the organists themselves think of the new appointments.

The appointmnet of a young assistant organist with Thibault Fajoles, seems a sensible addition to the team, whatever the selection process may have been.

[Adnosad]

Would appear that our cousins across the channel have their own particular political agenda with regard to this appointment.

Wonder if they will react in their usual style by taking to the streets of Paris?

I would suggest  ( IMHO only, that is ) that they should get a grip of themselves and count their blessings in their good fortune in the fact that the organ survived the fire and has had the funds available for its repair/ restoration.

As you state, the previous incumbents are somewhat geriatric now and have relinquished their posts anyway even though their decisions may have been, shall we say, " influenced " ?      

This is an ideal opportunity for the authorities concerned to inject some new life blood ; what do these petitioners want ?  Winch these old timers up to the console?    Have them finally pegging out over the claviers perhaps?

Maybe when the new incumbents come to give their opening recitals they may well be accompanied by balloons and party blowers; let`s wait and see!

Would not be surprised if we should hear if the Academie has had some input 

One thing is for sure however - at least Our  Cousins are prepared to show a bit more backbone with their concern and support than we would have here in Good `0l Blighty; should the occasion show itself.