The Dome Cathedral in Haarlem, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Bavo, has existed for 125 years. NH will pay ample attention to this in a series in the coming weeks, starting with a report on the famous Willibrordus organ. This organ is also celebrating an anniversary: it has been around for a century.
The Willibrordus organ is the most important of the four organs in the basilica and takes center stage during the concerts. It was designed for the Roman Catholic church of St. Willibrordus outside the Veste in Amsterdam. When that church closed, the organ barely escaped the wrecking ball. They still consider themselves lucky for that in Haarlem. The sound of ‘de Willibrordus’ is impressive.
The text continues below the report about the Willibrordus organ, organist Ton van Eck and organ tuner Hans van Gelderen.
Willibrordus organ – NH News
Organist Ton van Eck feels ‘chosen’ that he has been able to touch the keys of the organ for 23 years. He is still discovering new properties of the centenarian. “Playing the Willibrordus organ is a privilege every time,” he says, “especially since the restoration a few years ago, it has been a pleasure.”
The Willibrordus organ has been a historic national monument since 1995. The costs of maintenance are largely borne by the donors of the Willibrordusorgel Foundation.