Jacques Dussouil

Jacques Dussouil has been the Titular Organis of the Grand Orgue Boisseau of Notre-Dame de Royan since 1966. During his studies at the High School of Poitiers, he was also the student of pianist Hélène d’Ambelle who was herself a student of the great French Pianist Alfred Cortot.

It was thus with a solid base of piano that he began his organ studies with Georges Cloares, Organist of Notre Dame la Grande of Poitiers. It was his work with Jean-Albert Villard, the organist of the Cliquot organ of the Cathedral of Poitiers which would determine his vocation as an organist. Jean-Albert Villard allowed him to discover the riches of the emblamatic Cliquot of Poitiers and the repertoire which was written for this type of instrument : the French music of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jacques Dussouil continued his studies in Paris with Noëlie Pierront and especially with Edouard Souberbielle, the one individual in France who was perhaps the most responsable for the rediscovery of the repertoire and performance practice of French Early Music, counting among his students such important French organists as Michel Chapuis, Jean Albert Villard, and Francis Chapelet...

Jacques Dussouil did not limit his repertoire to only Early Music. He was not only an avid performer of the music of Franck Widor or Vierne, but quickly forged a reputation as a fine improviser. He began his triple career as Church musician, pedagogue and Concert Artist, appearing throughout Europe as a soloiste or in chamber music and orchestral programmes.

His duties at the Royan Cathedral lead him to also become a choral director and composer, founding one of the best Cathedral Choirs in France which he directed for many years. This activity lead to the compostion of a large number of sacred works, including his Mass in D for two organs and Chorus. He is currently focusing his attention on Organ music.