The news came as a sudden shock: Michel Dautry passed away last Saturday, 14 March. His death casts a shadow of profound sadness over the article dedicated to him in our spring issue, ON72, which was published just days before his death. His account, recorded by Annie Kalifa and Catherine Robert, is an invaluable gift to us all. Below is the announcement published by the association Les Amis de l’Orgue du Temple de Vigan.

‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Michel Dautry, honorary president and founder of the AOTV.

Well known in Le Vigan for over 25 years as a doctor, he treated and delivered babies, supporting his patients tirelessly. He then turned to psychiatry and finally to psychoanalysis, which he was still practising just a few years ago.

His passion for the organ was infectious, and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to have an organ built by Claude Berger at the Temple in Le Vigan. This was made possible by support from the public authorities, as well as donations from many of you. He then went on to stage a rich programme of concerts there over 20 years. He then pursued with the same perseverance an even more ambitious project at the Temple on Rue de Maguelone in Montpellier: a magnificent organ from the Pascal Quoirin workshops and designed by architect Martin Bacot. Its inauguration was attended by Michel Dautry, who also attended several concerts there since last April.

He passed away peacefully in the night between Saturday and Sunday, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Le Vigan.

We shall miss his smiling, attentive presence and remember him with immense gratitude.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

A service will be held at his beloved temple in Le Vigan on Wednesday 18 March at 3 pm.

The AOTV committee:
Annie Kalifa, Catherine Robert, Jean-Pierre Fauquier and Ferhat Halli.