II Ciclo de Órgano Santa Cecilia

Second edition of an organ cycle at the Parroquia de Santa Cruz in Madrid, centred on a French Romantic instrument from 1903 and featuring guest organists and choirs.

The Mutin/Cavillé-Cöll organ, built in 1903, originates from the former Teatro Lírico in Madrid, now gone, and is preserved in the Parroquia de Santa Cruz. It belongs to the French Romantic organ-building tradition and is the only example of its type in the capital. Its three manual keyboards and pedalboard regained their original layout in 2014, following a restoration promoted by the Community of Madrid.

The cycle opens with a guided visit to the instrument, focusing on its history, how it works and the features of its sound. Afterwards, performers take to the organ, including Saskia Roures, organ teacher at a higher conservatoire in Castilla y León, and Mikel Ansola, a Biscayan organist. The programme closes with Ángel Montero, teacher at the Conservatorio Profesional Arturo Soria.

Another session pairs the organ with choral singing: Voces de Toledo and Coro Xenakis, directed by Juan Carlos Zamudio and Aiblín Brito respectively, present a programme of French-style repertoire from the 20th century. It is the only event in the cycle in which the organ shares the stage with choirs.