Olivier Latry
Titular Organist Notre Dame, Paris

Synopsis

Olivier Latry asked: Why does the organ seem to have fewer and fewer friends? Before the 1950s there were almost no recordings of organs, and today the music world is very compartmentalised which makes it difficult to reach a wider audience. On the one hand, it is difficult for organ music to enter the more commercial music world and, on the other, it is difficult to find organ records in the already narrowly defined "classical" sections in record shops. Orchestral conductors have only a vague idea of what the organ is. If each organist could persuade one conductor to be a friend to the pipe organ, a great deal might be achieved. Organists are responsible for what happens in the organ world and how the organ is promoted. This is an area where change is needed. There should be a Guide Michelin of organists to help people learn more about them and the pipe organ. Music included in film scores always has a large exposure, and if we can get more organ music into films would be helpful.

Olivier Latry also emphasized the importance of making organs accessible to children. Early childhood experiences of the organ can awake a life-long fascination with the instrument.