The Valley Organ Center at the Berlin Biennale
On 15 February 2026, visitors to the Berlin Biennale will encounter the Valley Organ Center and Dr. Sixtus Lampl in a film premiere dedicated to the “Spirit of the Organ.”
The documentary, originally titled The Spirit of the Organ – L’Esprit de L’Orgue, was created over the course of three years in collaboration with and commissioned by ARTE/ZDF, with support from the FilmFernsehFonds Bayern (FFF). The German-French production was realized by the Munich-based film team led by Julian Benedikt (BenediktPictures). ARTE will present the film for the first time on public television on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Cameron Carpenter at the Valley Organs
To showcase the organ center and its instrumental treasures, the film crew brought the internationally renowned organist Cameron Carpenter exclusively to the Valley Organ Center for the film recordings. Cameron represents the younger generation of organists.
He is among the best in the organ world and spent an entire afternoon on September 22 of last year playing virtually every functional organ. Accompanied by the film team led by Julian Benedikt, two generations came together, united by their passion for the organ, and serving as a living example of the oft-quoted phrase by Jean Laurès: “Tradition is not the preservation of ashes, but the kindling of the flame.”
For the Valley Organ Center, this is a special honor. In addition to the American superstar Carpenter, Dr. Sixtus Lampl was also interviewed and filmed. Thus, the Valley Organ Center is part of a unique documentary film dedicated to the culture, beauty, grandeur, and diversity of the organ.
