The Midday Organ Series is a unique offering set in an unparalleled historical setting. These concerts take place in the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, where the organ, known as the “king of instruments,” is performed by renowned musicians, offering an exceptional auditory experience.
Midday Organ Series – Concerts at La Merced is a one-of-a-kind event in Argentina, dedicated exclusively to the organ and held during midday hours. Under the artistic direction of the prestigious organist Luis Caparra and organized by the Buenos Aires Gallery of Pipe Organs (GOTBA), the series draws inspiration from the “London lunch concerts.” Each performance lasts 45 minutes and is held on the third Tuesday of each month, from April to December. Featured organists include Matías Galíndez, Francisco Tello, Julieta Giordano, and Luis Caparra himself. The series also offers the opportunity to appreciate the valuable 1897 Walcker organ from Germany housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, along with the architectural beauty of this National Historic Monument and its urban surroundings.
Why Attend the Midday Organ Series?
An organ in a church setting offers a unique experience: the performer remains hidden, allowing the focus to be solely on the music and the architectural space. The Basilica’s immersive acoustics, combined with the solemnity of the location, enhance each note, transporting listeners through time with the sound of a historic organ, restored to its full splendor.
Next Concert:
- Tuesday, September 17 – 1:45 PM
Second Edition 2024 | Midday Organ Series 100th Anniversary of Dubois and Fauré
Performer: Francisco Tello
Artistic Direction: Maestro Luis Caparra
Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, Reconquista 207, Buenos Aires Free AdmissionThis concert will commemorate the centennial of French composers Théodore Dubois and Gabriel Fauré, under the artistic direction of Luis Caparra.
Concert Program:
- USO SEIFERT: Fantasy on the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
- JOHANN S. BACH: Chorale Prelude “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying,” BWV 653
- PAUL HINDEMITH: First movement of the Second Sonata
- CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS: “The Swan” (arranged by A. Guilmant)
- THÉODORE DUBOIS: “Laus Deo” (final from the “Wedding Mass”)
About Luis Caparra
Luis Caparra is a graduate of the National Conservatory “Carlos López Buchardo” with degrees in Piano, Harpsichord, and Organ, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from the National University of the Arts (UNA). He completed his training in Europe and has received numerous awards, including First Prize at the National Organ Competition (1986) and the Excellence in Culture Scholarship from the Presidency of the Nation (1988). He has twice been recognized by the Konex Foundation as one of the 100 most important figures in Argentine classical music (2009 and 2019). Caparra has premiered many works by contemporary composers and has performed the complete organ works of composers such as Bach, Mozart, Franck, and Brahms.
About the Organ
The organ of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, built in 1897 by the German company Walcker & Co., is a valuable cultural artifact. It has 41 real stops and over 3,000 sounding pipes. The organ retains its original transmission system, which has been restored to perfect condition. Fun fact: in August 1904, the renowned French composer and organist Camille Saint-Saëns gave a recital featuring his own works on this organ. Later, the Italian composer Pietro Mascagni also performed on it.
About the Basilica
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, together with the adjacent Convent of San Ramón Nonato, is a National Historic Monument. Its history dates back to 1603 when the Mercedarian fathers built a small adobe church on this site, dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy. The current temple, remodeled by architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo and reopened in 1900, is a gem of Buenos Aires’ architectural heritage. In addition to its religious significance, it has been the setting for historical events such as the reconquest of Buenos Aires during the British invasions in 1806.
About GOTBA
The Buenos Aires Gallery of Pipe Organs (GOTBA) was founded in 2018 with the goal of promoting the valuable organ heritage of Buenos Aires and the region through various cultural initiatives. GOTBA also organizes the international event Happy Birthday, Johann Sebastian, in which Bach’s works are performed, and the Organ from the Universities event.
Organized and Sponsored by “Midday Organ Series”: GOTBA – Buenos Aires Gallery of Pipe Organs Sponsored by: French Institute of Argentina, Embassy of France in Buenos Aires Cultural Patronage of Buenos Aires Supported by: Music for Organ, FM Amadeus 91.7
See more events and concerts in our monthly schedule:
https://musicaclasica.com.ar/agenda/
