The unique organs of the Nieuwe Kerk are regularly played, both by the church’s organists, Bernard Winsemius and Henk Verhoef, and by guest performers. Excursions are also frequently organized for conservatory students, organists from the Netherlands and abroad, and other interested visitors.
At all concerts, the main organ is played. Often, organists also perform part of their program on the transept organ. Seats are arranged both in the transept and in the central nave, and there is time between the sections to move from the transept to the nave.
The concert programs are carefully tailored to the organs, highlighting their unique sounds and possibilities. As a result, the focus is often on music from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with works by composers such as Sweelinck, Scheidemann, Van Noordt, Buxtehude, and Bach. However, the organs offer great versatility, and music from other traditions and eras is regularly performed. Each year, some modern compositions and at least one improvisation can also be heard.
Resident Organists
Bernard Winsemius studied organ at the Amsterdam Conservatory under Anthon van der Horst and Albert de Klerk. Additionally, he studied carillon and choir and orchestra conducting. He was awarded the Prix d’Excellence for both organ and carillon. In 1970, he received the Zilveren Vriendenkrans from the Concertgebouw Friends Association. Over the years, he has trained multiple generations of students at the conservatories of Hilversum and Rotterdam. His career includes concerts and courses worldwide, and he has produced numerous recordings. He has been the organist of the Nieuwe Kerk since 1981.
Henk Verhoef studied in Amsterdam and Paris, winning awards at various competitions. He performs concerts both in the Netherlands and abroad and is frequently invited as a jury member for international competitions. He serves as the organist and carillonneur of the Vrije Universiteit and carillonneur of Woerden, Ootmarsum, and Monnickendam. In 2023, he received the prestigious De Monnick award for his contributions in Monnickendam. For the Stichting Nederlandse Orgelmonografieën, he edited books on the Nieuwe Kerk, the Garrels organ in Purmerend, and the historic organ of Utrecht’s Nicolaikerk. As an advisor, he is involved in restoring historical organs, carillons, and bells, currently working on the bell ensemble of Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady. He has been the organist of the Nieuwe Kerk since 2013.
Dates & program
- Tuesday, 8 April: Henk Verhoef
Music by Froberger, Scheidt, Zwart, Pepping, and Bach - Tuesday, 13 May: Bernard Winsemius
Music by Tallis, Lübeck, Sweelinck, and Bach - Tuesday, 10 June: Bram Brandemann (Kampen)
Music by Zipoli, Praetorius, Buxtehude, and Bach - Tuesday, 8 July: Henk Verhoef
Music by Buxtehude, Robbers, Della Giustina, and Eben - Tuesday, 15 July: David Schlaffke (Amsterdam)
Music by Ahle, Van den Kerckhoven, C.Ph.E. and J.S. Bach - Tuesday, 22 July: Henk Verhoef
Music by Gibbons, Van Noordt, Scarlatti, and Van der Horst - Tuesday, 12 August: Bernard Winsemius
Program to be announced - Tuesday, 19 August: Leonhard Völlm (Stuttgart)
Program to be announced - Tuesday, 26 August: Bernard Winsemius
Program to be announced - Tuesday, 9 September: Adriaan Hoek (Rotterdam)
Program to be announced - Tuesday, 14 October: Henk Verhoef
Program to be announced - Tuesday, 11 November: Bernard Winsemius
Program to be announced
Practical information
Doors open from 19:30. Each concert starts at 20:00.
Book your tickets online via our ticket shop.
