Performance composition competition New Notes

The winning compositions from the Composition Competition for Organ of the Laurenskerk will be heard during a festive concert in the Laurenskerk.

The composition competition Nieuwe Noten challenged composers to write new music for the organ of the Laurenskerk. The result is special new compositions that will be performed in front of an audience for the first time during this concert. This gives the winners a place in an age-old tradition of new organ music, right in the heart of Rotterdam.

1st prize: Rien den Besten with ‘Position, posture, poise’
“a sparkling composition that invites the player to use the organ palette in a playful way; The four parts show colorful variety and emphasize the puzzle-like title”

2nd prize: Jules Schattenberg ‘Tussen Maan en Zon’
“an impressive arch, beautifully crafted in the best post-romantic traditions, which combines consistent development with a grand climax”

3rd prize: Chris de Graaf with ‘Christus lag in de dood terneer‘
“a piece that embraces the liturgical roots of the organ and makes impressive use of the grandeur of the instrument”

Wildcard: Willem ‘t Hart with ‘The Mother’
“a simple concept leads to a logical but dramatically charged musical arc”

A festive musical program will be played around the winning composition in which the organ can shine to the fullest. Well-known masterpieces are interspersed with special repertoire and surprising musical connections and show the enormous richness of sound and color of the instrument.

A concert in which tradition and new music come together: from the great organ masters of the past to the composer of today.
Come and listen to the premiere of the winning compositions and celebrate the future of organ music with us!