The III International Organ Festival will see an appearance by French organist Vincent Dubois, prize-winner at international competitions and the director of three music institutions – the Conservatoire National de Reims and the Conservatoire and the Académie Supérieure de Musique in Strasbourg. He will be performing in St Petersburg for the first time.
– Have you heard anything about the organ at the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre?
Yes, I’ve been told about it by a good friend – Thierry Escaich (his concert took place during the festival on 6 November, Ed.). Prior to that I’ve heard so much about this theatre, though I didn’t know it also had a concert hall with an organ.
– You have been the titular organist at the cathedral in Soissons. What kind of repertoire have you played during divine worship?
I left the post as titular organist at the cathedral in Soissons in September 2014. But for as long as I had associations with that instrument I did a great many improvisations during services. Moreover, I selected a repertoire that corresponded with certain aspects of Divine Liturgy. The duties of a titular organist lie in keeping an eye on the condition of the instrument and performing on Sundays, at religious festivals and on special occasions. I’d also say that you have to give recitals so that wider audiences are aware of the instrument.
– Do titular organists generally get used to their own instruments? How do you feel when another musician plays it?
In a sense, the organ in Soissons was “mine”, I had an emotional attachment to it. As to the fact that other musicians play it I am always delighted and expect that the instrument will sound different with different organists, producing new colours.
– You studied at the Conservatoire National de Paris. Do many organists graduate from the conservatoire each year? How do they resolve the matter of where to find employment?
Each year the conservatoire produces an average of three organists. Normally they go on to receive additional training as teachers and/or become prize-winners at international competitions in order to work at the conservatoire. Some begin to work as administrators and in cultural management.
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