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Biel set to become “organ capital” of Switzerland

Biel is to be the first city in Switzerland where it will be possible to interpret the entire repertoire of organ music.

An ambitious project – called “Three-star Constellation of Biel Organs” – will cost nearly SFr2 million and involve replacing rather than renovating church organs in the city’s old quarter.

The chairman of a working group for the project, Edouard Benz, says that eventually every period in the musical history of the organ will be represented.

“We will even look to the future,” he said. “Music and engineering students from Biel, Bern, Zurich and Winterthur are going to work together on plans for a 21st century organ.”

Proceeds from the sale of organs that are being replaced will go towards the cost of the project. Local parishes are contributing SFr1 million, with the rest of the cash coming from donations and sponsorship.

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