Belgium's two major music libraries contain many treasures.

The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) preserves in its rich Fétis collection several scores by Johann Sebastian Bach, including the autograph of the Suite for Lute BWV 995 and the manuscript of the organ chaconnes BWV 1178 and 1179, recently authenticated by the Bach-Archiv. Performed for the first time in 320 years on 17 November in Leipzig, these two pieces will have their Belgian premiere on 6 December, thanks to the Conservatoire de Bruxelles.

The Library of the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, established by Fétis himself, also holds a precious manuscript of German Baroque music for organ, written in part by Johann Friedrich Agricola, a pupil of J.S. Bach. This document brings together works by major composers including Nicolaus Bruhns and Dietrich Buxtehude, with whom the young Bach studied after composing the two chaconnes of KBR.

In collaboration with KBR, the chamber music class of the early music department and Benoît Mernier's organ class offer an immersion into the heart of these manuscripts, alternating between organ works and vocal pieces by the same composers, for a unique musical journey through time.

Benoît Mernier, coordination

Église​ Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires 
23 Rue des Riches Claires, 1000 Bruxelles 

Free entrance, without reservation