The “Bach in the Basilica” series, now in its fourth year, aims to offer the Milanese public the opportunity to hear great performers from the international organ scene play the organ at San Simpliciano.

This instrument, built in 1991 by the German organ builder Jürgen Ahrend, is a jewel of contemporary organ-building and fulfills the dream of a committee of enthusiasts (among whom we must not forget Sandro Boccardi, who passed away two years ago) and supported by the City of Milan to have an instrument ideally suited for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Over the course of the three programs, we will hear some of Bach’s most beautiful works; in particular, this year the three performers will take turns presenting the cycle of the eighteen chorales from the Leipzig autograph.

Stefano Molardi, a professor at the Lugano Conservatory and one of Italy’s most active organists on the international scene, will open the series. Juan De la Rubia is currently presenting a complete performance of Bach’s works in Spain: during his concert, the audience will have the opportunity to hear some rarely performed pieces from Bach’s catalog. Maude Gratton, a professor at the Paris Conservatory, will conclude the series by pairing the chorales with the famous Prelude and Fugue in A minor.

Artistic Directors Gianluca Capuano & Lorenzo Ghielmi