Opening of the National Knowledge Centre of Organ Music, www.orgelmuziekweb.nl.

Warmerdan, Ria

The Netherlands, a country of shoes, tulips, windmills, and organs. In this line-up of Dutch characteristics the organ culture feels at home. When the Dutch Broadcasting Foundation did research on the musical heritage of The Netherlands, organ culture was the most important.

The collections of printed organ music and organ recordings was scattered over numerous institutions, foundations and individuals. You had to know the organ world inside out to get a hold on the music of your choice. Not anymore: The newly formed National Knowledge Centre of Organ Music makes all knowledge and information on organ music accessible via de website www.orgelmuziekweb.nl.

This portal is a collaboration of the Public Library of Haarlem (Haarlem is the home of the famous organ of St. Bavo Church) and the Public library of the Provence of Zeeland. The website contains digital catalogues of organ music, a list of organists, information about the organ culture in the Netherlands and a forum to bring organists and organ lovers together. You can also drop your organ related questions. A team of specialists will provide the answers.

For more information you can contact Ian Bortwick at i.borthwick@haarlem.nl

Ria Warmerdam

NBD/Biblion (Dutch Library Services)

The Netherlands