Final festival in Sarrebourg

The final edition of the Chemins du Baroque International Music Festival took place in Sarrebourg from October 18 to 25, marking the conclusion of a 40-year initiative founded by Alain Pacquier. The festival focused on the rediscovery and transmission of ancient repertoires from the New World.

Multifaceted festival activities

The festival included discographic productions through the label K617, training of young musicians, musicological research, luthery workshops, and organ restoration. These efforts were part of a cooperation program between Lorraine and South America.

Closure of the Convent's legacy

The Convent of St Ulrich, headquarters of the International Center of the Chemins du Baroque, and its label K617 were a reference on the international baroque scene until its liquidation for economic reasons in 2021. The last step was the transfer of the important musical library of the Convent to Paraguay in the spring of 2026.

Focus on Domenico Zipoli

The final edition featured conferences, round tables, and concerts, with the composer, Jesuit, and missionary Italian Domenico Zipoli as the main theme. Zipoli ended his short life in Argentina, and many more compositions have been attributed to him than he probably ever wrote.

Performing ensembles and music revival

Emotional concerts featured the ensembles Les Traversées Baroques (Judith Pacquier and Etienne Meyer) and the Ensemble Elyma, under the historical direction of the Argentine conductor Gabriel Garrido, now very rare. Also performing were the young Bolivians of the Ensemble Moxos, under the energetic direction of Raquel Maldonado, who revive the music from the Bolivian missionary archives by blending it with the traditional music of the Mojos and Chiquitos Indians.

Legacy of musical education

The transmission and musical education will remain the outstanding work of the Chemins du Baroque, which has contributed to the rediscovery of this living heritage. "The initiated game is endless," concludes Lionel Lissot with optimism.