Olivier Latry inspires in Bad Ischl: concert in memory of Öhler!

Olivier Latry inspires in Bad Ischl: concert in memory of Öhler!

Olivier Latry, the famous titular organist of Notre-Dame de Paris, will give a very special concert in Bad Ischl on August 14, 2025. As part of the KirchKlang Festival Salzkammergut, the concert will take place in the parish church of St. Nikolaus and is dedicated to the memory of the late parish priest Christian Öhler. Öhler, who shaped church and cultural life in the Salzkammergut for many years, was not only the host of the festival, but also an important supporter and spiritual companion of this event.

Why is this concert so important? The program aims to provide comfort, grandeur and calm. Latry will present a variety of compositions at the organ, including works by renowned composers such as Olivier Messiaen, Charles Tournemire and Maurice Duruflé. The special thing about these pieces is their diverse expression - from virtuoso to contemplative sounds that touch deep within.

A diverse music program

Listeners can look forward to a varied selection that includes the following works:

• Olivier Messiaen: Apparition de l’Eglise éternelle
• Charles Tournemire: Petite rhapsodie improvisée (Rekonstruktion von Maurice Duruflé)
• Alexandre Guilmant: I. Sonata – Finale
• Thierry Escaich: Évocation I
• Jean-Pierre Leguay: I. Sonata – Finale
• Olivier Messiaen: Monodie
• Maurice Duruflé: Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur den Veni Creator
• Olivier Latry: Improvisation

This shows the wide range that Latry masters as an artist. Despite the technical challenges associated with these works, he will easily bring to life the emotional and spiritual facets of organ music.

Organ music as cultural heritage

At a time when awareness of cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important, UNESCO has recognized organ building and music as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This draws a connection between annual organ concerts like Latry's and the long tradition of this art form. There are around 400 organ building companies worldwide, and tens of thousands of organists are committed to preserving this cultural expression. As the UNESCO portal highlights, the characteristics and richness of organ music are at the heart of this tradition and should continue to be honored to keep the cultural heritage alive.

The concert on August 14th will not only honor Christian Öhler, but will also preserve a piece of knowledge about the tradition of organ music and its relevance for the present. The evening promises not only musical highlights, but also a deep reflection on what connects us.

So be prepared to be enchanted by the unique atmosphere and magical music on Sunday in the parish church of St. Nikolaus in Bad Ischl! For further information you can contact directly MyDistrict read it or read it Bad Ischl find out more about the festival. And for the historical background on organ music, take a look UNESCO over.