The Oude Kerk in Amsterdam is an architectural and cultural gem, renowned for its monumental organs. One of these is the transept organ — also known as the small organ — mounted on the wall column between the St. George Chapel and the Weitkopers Chapel. The current form of the instrument, built by Ahrend & Brunzema in 1965, is housed in a case dating from 1658–1659. This is the fourth organ to occupy this location.

The history of the organs at this site within the Oude Kerk is long and rich. The first instrument, known as the Edammer werck, was present until 1544. It was followed by a second organ built by Hendrick Niehoff, installed in 1544. The third organ, built in 1567, was the work of Pieter Jansz de Swart.

Throughout history, the choir organ has primarily served to support congregational and choral singing. Each of the instruments — from the early Edammer werck to the present-day organ by Ahrend & Brunzema — has contributed to the rich musical and historical legacy of the Oude Kerk. The current organ, a blend of historical elements and modern craftsmanship, carries that tradition forward, resonating not only with music, but with centuries of Amsterdam’s cultural heritage.

Sources: oudekerk.nl, orgbase.nl
Photography: Jan-Willem van Braak and Sweelinq