Kampen International Organ Festival
The Kampen International Organ Academy Foundation was established in May by Henco de Berg and Jolanda Zwoferink. The foundation aims to educate professional and semi-professional organists and conservatory students in the art of organ playing, particularly in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and in concert and liturgical improvisation. The 1744 Hinsz organ of the Bovenkerk in Kampen, the Netherlands, serves as the principal artistic medium.
An organ festival, held annually in autumn, will consist of masterclasses, lectures, and recitals with a focus on a specific annual theme. Participants can take part in the masterclasses actively or as auditors. Occasionally, a masterclass will also be given on the 1999 Reil organ, located in the choir of the Bovenkerk.
The 2026 festival takes place from October 19–23. The theme centers on the organ works of Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, who was born 350 years ago in 1676. Luc Ponet, principal organ teacher at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven and organist of the Basilica of Our Lady, Tongeren, will give a masterclass on the suites by Clérambault and the organ works of Louis and François Couperin. Jolanda Zwoferink will present a masterclass on Bach’s organ works. De Berg and Gerben Mourik will give a masterclass on improvisation. Zwoferink will also lecture on the organ works of Bach in relation to the Hinsz organ of the Bovenkerk. On the last evening, an organ recital will be given by participants.
For information: kampen-int-organacademy.eu.
Photo caption: 1744 Hinsz organ, Bovenkerk, Kampen, the Netherlands (photo credit: Gerrit Veldman)
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