The Fondation du Patrimoine has announced the launch under its roof of the Fondation Rocamadour – Musique sacrée (Sacred Music). The aim of this foundation is to support the preservation and development of sacred music. Starting this spring, the Fondation Rocamadour – Musique sacrée will participate, through a program of itinerant concerts, in bringing to life the religious buildings supported by the Fondation du Patrimoine, and to encourage the public’s generosity in support of their restoration.
Inspired by the 1936 encounter between composer Francis Poulenc and the city of Rocamadour, which inspired the creation of his sacred music, the Rocamadour – Musique Sacrée Foundation is dedicated to preserving and developing the historical repertoire of sacred music, through support for educational projects, commissioned works, concerts, musicological research and instrument restoration. To this end, it has already set up a benchmark annual festival, a recording label and a renowned vocal ensemble for the sacred repertoire, La Sportelle.
Enhancing the value of this intangible heritage is in line with the Fondation du Patrimoine’s focus on developing the use of religious buildings. With over 8,000 religious sites supported for more than 25 years, the Fondation du patrimoine works daily to safeguard religious heritage. The development of uses compatible with worship, such as this concert program, ensuring respectful use of the sites and revitalization of the territories, is one of the Foundation’s priorities.
