a family of French organ builders works in Japan

In Japan, classical music enthusiasts who play the organ call on Matthieu Garnier. At 45, this Frenchman is an organ builder: he builds and maintains organs. “He transmits his enthusiasm to us and makes the instrument accessible to us”, testifies a musician. Japan has 2,000 organs, but few experts for their maintenance. “Whatever the human ear can hear, the organ can do, can play”, explains Matthieu Garnier, organ builder at Garnier Organum. The Frenchman, who arrived in Tokyo (Japan) 23 years ago, does not count his hours.

Originally from Doubs, his father was also an organ builder. “I wanted to work in metal, so I decided to go into organ pipework”, explains Matthieu Garnier. The family business then moved to Japan in the 90s and built more than 200 organs. The Garniers also opened a music school in Japan.