Swiss music lovers to hear oldest playable organ in the world

The oldest playable organ in the world is at the heart of an international festival that kicks off on Saturday in the southwestern Swiss city of Sion. Built in 1435, the organ in the Basilica of Valère is at the heart of the Valère Organ and Ancient Music Festival. The 180 organ pipes - for as many different notes - from that period still exist, and around 180 additional pipes have been added over the centuries. The event, which has been held every year for over half a century, attracts musicians from all over the world. Organists performing this year come from Switzerland, Austria, Spain, France, Italy, the US and Brazil, according to the event’s head of communications Aurélie Fernandez. This festival offers seven concerts until August 26, every Saturday at 4pm in the Valère basilica. The musicians will be covering a range of musical styles from the Middle Ages to the present day. Several instruments will be combined with the organ. Not everyone can play the Valère organ. The...