Johann Sebastian Bach is famous worldwide for his music for the organ. But Bach also knew a great deal about the instrument itself. He was only 18 years old when he was asked, as an organ expert, to inspect a brand-new large organ in Arnstadt. What happened in this boy’s life that he already knew so much about it at that age?
In this ‘discovery’-concert, you will hear more about the 10-year-old Bach, who was introduced to the pipe organ and began to study it in depth. We follow him as a boy gathering knowledge about the technology of the instrument and its music. How he was always at the forefront when organs needed repairing. And how he secretly copied music at night to learn more about it. An exciting story for young and old alike, in which you will learn more about Bach, the organ and music.
On 8 November 2025, Zaterdagmiddagmuziek (Saturday Afternoon Music) presented this true story as a family concert in the Dom Church in Utrecht, focusing on how the organ works and, of course, featuring lots of music by Bach and other composers.
Before the concert, children built the Orgelkids organ during a workshop. Of course, this organ also played a role in the concert.
The concert in the Dom Church was performed by:
- Jan Hage (Bätz-organ)
- Leander Schoormans (Orgelkids organ)
- Lydia Vroegindeweij (storyteller)
Impression in pictures
Click on a photo for a clearer image and the option to browse through them.
