Inauguration Schnittgerorgan Zwolle

After years of silence, the sounds of the world-famous Schnitger organ finally resounded again on Saturday 22 March 2025 in the Grote Kerk in Zwolle. For Flentrop Orgelbouw this meant a special moment: the inauguration of the restored Rückwerk marks an important milestone in the extensive restoration of this unique four-manual instrument from 1721.

Atmospheric inauguration

During the festive Schnitger festival, the atmospheric inauguration of the Schnittger organ in Zwolle took place, presented by Sander Zwiep (NPO Klassiek). Various speakers emphasised the importance and uniqueness of this monumental organ. Erik Winkel (Flentrop Orgelbouw) and Cees van der Poel jointly provided a sound demonstration in which the richness of the organ’s colours was beautifully expressed. Organist Toon Hagen played the organ for a full church with works by Pachelbel, Bach and his own composition. The audience responded with emotion to the sounds of the awakening Rückwerk.

Highlight of the restauration

A special highlight in this phase of the restoration is that all the original keys from 1721 could be used again – a technically and historically valuable achievement. For the Flentrop team it is a great pleasure and honour that this has been possible.

The commissioning received wide media attention. RTV Oost and NOS reported on the event (read the article on NOS.nl), and an extensive retrospective can be found on the Schnitger organ website. NPO Klassiek also broadcast an interview with organist Toon Hagen about his first encounter with the restored instrument (listen to the interview on NPO Klassiek).

Vervolg restauratie

Although the Rückwerk can now be heard again, the restoration is still in full swing. Flentrop Orgelbouw looks back on this phase with satisfaction and looks forward to the continuation of the work, with the aim of a complete completion in 2026. Together we will let the Schnitger organ speak again.