This recital marks the 60^th anniversary of Alfred Kern organ at Saint-Séverin which was rebuilt in 1964, the first French reproduction of the Ancien Régime instrument in the 20^th century. It has played a key role in inspiring a generation of young musicians to play on early instruments.

The programme, based on a Saint-Séverin parish antiphonary dated 1803, explores a liturgical practice inherited from the Grand Siècle – it forms a dialogue between plainsong performed by the CMBV choir Les Chantres and improvisations on the organ by Freddy Eichelberger, a leading specialist of period style improvisations. Although the precise origin of the pieces in this antiphonary remains uncertain (a mixture of early repertoire revivals and early 19^th century compositions), hearing them played cannot fail to convince of the richness and depth of this musical legacy.        

It offers a unique musical and spiritual experience, where Past and Present meet with brio, in the tradition promulgated by the CMBV.