Lausanne, part Deux

Another day in Lausanne on June 17 gave us a chance to learn about a Swiss firm's development of solar powered boats, which included a ride in one of the boats on Lake Geneva, and a trip to the campus of the Ecole Ploytechnique Federale de Lausanne for a visit to the Rolex Learning Center, an ultramodern study and library facility designed to promote interdisciplinary interaction and creativity. But the highlight of the day was a visit to the Lausanne Cathedral for a private tour and performance by the cathedral's head organist, Jean-Christophe Geiser. Dr. Geiser led us into the loft of the cathedral for a behind-the-scenes look at the organ's pipes and then he treated the group to four pieces that demonstrated the organ's unique capabilities. He also explained the process that was pursued to conceive the instrument, design its appearance and functions and to install it. Everyone responded warmly to this marvelous experience.