If you play the organ, you will be welcomed

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Jouarre is an ancient and renowned French abbey, located 70 km from Paris. The Abbey is still home to a community of Benedictine nuns who live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict; ora et labora—pray and work.

The nuns cherish deeply their church’s prestigious Mutin-Cavaillé-Coll organ. In the 19th century and up until the early 1930s, this company’s name represented the pinnacle of organ artisanship.  Aristide Cavaillé-Coll was one of the greatest organ builders of all time, while Charles Mutin, a brilliant student who joined the Maison Cavaillé as an apprentice at the age of 14, eventually became his Master’s successor. Mutin eventually took over the workshop, but preserved the Cavaillé name to which he added his own.

Today, there are not many organ builders around anymore. In addition, as the nuns themselves admit, there is also a shortage of “sisters capable of providing support and song”.

For this reason, the monastic community of Jouarre has, for some years now, been experimenting with a unique form of hospitality, which is one centered around their organ and in service of their liturgy.

A fixed, ever-relevant announcement has been prominently displayed on their website (abbayejouarre.org), which reads, “We are looking for people willing to provide the precious service of playing the organ for our community, either occasionally or on a regular basis”.

There is no monetary compensation, only an exchange of “good services”. The Benedictine nuns offer stays at the Abbey with free access to their Mutin-Cavaillé-Coll organ (13 stops on two manuals and pedals), while guests find in the monastery a place for contemplation, food, lodging, and—most importantly—a remarkable organ to play. In addition, there is “a vibrant liturgical space where they can place their talents at the service of the Lord and their brothers and sisters”.

So far, everyone is happy. “We have touched the true depth of what we call “exchange”. There is nothing commercial in this word when it is truly experienced; just pure generosity, where each person welcomes the best of the other”, write the nuns.

In addition, as the nun’s acknowledge, “The variety of organists is, for a stable community like ours, a true blessing. According to each one’s talent, they bring a personal touch to the liturgy. We have even discovered brief moments of musical meditation after Vespers, with magnificent improvisations before the antiphons, and pieces that have made our organ sound in ways rarely heard before. We do not intend to stop this experience! So, a word of warning to all enthusiasts!”

At this point, they move on to the practical details—delivered with a good dose of humor. The Abbey of Jouarre is accessible by train from Paris Est (direction Château-Thierry). From the station, it is a 10-minute drive or shuttle ride to the monastery—or a 40-minute uphill walk! They take care of the guest’s accommodation and meals. Outside of liturgical services and private prayer times, the organists are free to practice on their organ.

The usual schedule for weekdays is as follows. It commences with Lauds and Mass at 08:45; then Vespers at 17:45. And let’s not forget the Vigils at 05:30!!! (This depends on your level of “morning madness”). On Sundays, Mass is at 09:45, and Vespers at 17:00.

The organ’s specifications are described in meticulous detail -manuals, pedalboards, and everything else-, so there is no excuse for unclear expectations.

A final call to action. An organist would be most welcome on weekends for Sunday Mass and, if possible, Vespers. They would also be helpful for solemnities and weekday celebrations, again for Mass and Vespers (if available).