It is not the most impressive organ in the metropolis. Nor the most precious. But it is the one to which the parishioners of Routes are most attached.
The organ of the Sacré-Cœur des Routes church was acquired in 1923 and it has not “sung” for more than thirty years. It therefore had to undergo an emergency renovation and the association of Friends of the Sacré-Cœur organ took up the subject. Its renovation will be able to begin, since the financing campaign launched in 2019 has largely borne fruit. Several tens of thousands of euros were raised to repair this rare instrument, an obvious object of Toulon heritage. The cost of the work will amount to 65,000 euros.
More than 80 donors for a “rescue”
“This old organ was built in 1890 and measures 4 meters wide by 2 meters deep. It is 4 meters high and has 600 pipes which, unfortunately, are no longer used. We therefore wanted to revive it. We succeeded. “, welcomes Xavier Calcagno, president of the Friends of the Organ association.
“Several concerts took place to recover funds. We also had the support of two banks, the Metropolis, a former passionate organist and many parishioners. In total, more than 80 people participated in this rescue.”
Nine months of continuous work
The work will begin on March 6, carried out by Franck Bistocchi, a renowned organ builder. It is to him that we owe the restoration of the organ of Saint Pius X. He also takes care of the organ of Toulon Cathedral.
Two days later, on March 8, the general meeting of the Friends of the Organ will take place in the Routes parish hall.
But the organ project promises to be long: at least 9 months of continuous work to bring the historic instrument back to life. “We will have to dismantle the pipes one by one, repair the blower, repair the electrical system of the instrument… A long-term job”, adds Xavier. “What is surprising is that this organ was purchased by Canon Bouisson, my great-uncle. It has since belonged to the Sacré-Cœur church, whose pastor is Father Politycki..”
The collection having been a great success, all the inhabitants of the Routes district are now waiting to be able to discover the “new organ”. It will not be before the end of 2024-beginning of 2025. But, I promise: concerts – outside religious services – will be organized to thank all the donors.
2024-02-25 10:54:47
#years #silence #organ #SacréCoeur #church #Toulon #renovated #donations
