A structuring cultural project
The Project
An exceptional pipe organ to honour the Couperin legacy and bring French musical heritage to life in the 21st century.
The Vision
Chaumes-en-Brie is the authenticated birthplace of the Couperin dynasty. A memorial plaque attests that Louis (1626), François (1631) and Charles (1638) were born here.
No other place in the world can claim this historical legitimacy. It is here, and nowhere else, that a pipe organ can fully honour their memory.
The church of Chaumes-en-Brie no longer has a worthy organ. This is therefore not about restoring an existing instrument, but about building a new pipe organ.
This creation allows for an instrument perfectly suited to the Couperin repertoire, while opening it to the great European works from the 14th to the 19th century.
The year 2026 marks the 400th anniversary of Louis Couperin's birth. This symbolic date offers a unique opportunity to launch this ambitious project.
French organ builders' expertise is recognised worldwide. The conditions are right to create an instrument of international standing.
This project is not just about building an organ,
but about creating a place where music is transmitted, shared and reinvented.
The Couperin Heritage project is conceived as a living endeavour, destined to evolve with the musicians who embrace it over time.
Project objectives
Living heritage
Create an active place of memory, where the Couperin legacy is transmitted through musical practice.
International outreach
Put Chaumes-en-Brie on the world organ map, alongside Saint-Maximin and Albi.
Democratic access
Open the instrument to all organists, not reserved for the elite, based on musical merit.
Learn more →Regional development
Generate lasting economic and tourism benefits for the Brie region.
Projected timeline
Studies and design
Defining the specification, acoustic studies, case design.
Fundraising campaign
Raising funds from institutions, foundations and private patrons.
Construction
Building the instrument by the selected organ builder.
Installation and inauguration
Assembly in the church, voicing and inaugural concert.
Governance
Association L'Héritage des Couperin
A French non-profit association (loi 1901) created to lead this cultural project. It brings together organ enthusiasts, musicians, historians and local stakeholders.
Led by an association, the project ensures a collective, open and exacting framework, founded on listening, dialogue and transmission.
- Public interest status (66% tax deduction)
- Full financial transparency
- Collegial governance
Organ builder
To be selected — The project will be subject to a consultation with qualified organ builders, based on the defined musical programme.
Institutional partners
The project benefits from the support of local authorities and cultural institutions.
Partner logos and visuals coming soon.
Expected impact
Institution, foundation or patron committed to cultural transmission?
Want to learn more?
Download our complete presentation brochure or contact us for a personalised project overview.
Be part of a major cultural project
Institutions, foundations, companies: join those who champion French musical heritage.
Become a partner