Lunchconcert - (Change in programme)

On 26 August, the Dutch organist and composer Bert Matter passed away at the age of 89. He served as organist at the Walburgkerk in Zutphen for over 30 years. Through his work as a principal lecturer at the conservatoires in Arnhem and The Hague, he laid the foundations for a distinct school of organ players in the Netherlands that spanned several generations. As a tribute to Matter, three of his former students will perform during this concert: organist Klaas Stok, organist and singer Ina Boersma, and organist and artistic director of the Orgelpark, Johan Luijmes. They have put together a programme featuring works by their former teacher.

Bert Matter studied at the Rotterdam Conservatoire under Piet van den Kerkhoff and Cor Kee. As the resident organist at the Walburgkerk in Zutphen, he was the driving force behind the restoration of it's Bader/Timpe organ. He was renowned as an improviser and gave recitals not only in the Netherlands but also in Germany, France, Austria and the United States. As a composer, his oeuvre – largely based on church hymns – draws its inspiration from minimal music. In addition to his work as a senior lecturer in The Hague and Arnhem, he was a much sought-after guest lecturer all over the world. He also served as a jury member at various international organ competitions. For his contribution to Dutch organ culture, he was knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau and received the prestigious Sweelinck Prize.

Programme

Bert Matter (1937–2026)          Various works

Performers

Klaas Stok, organ

Johan Luijmes, organ

Ina Boersma, vocals