Does anyone know if the main organ is working?
One source says it has not been operational for 60 years, but there are currently organ concerts scheduled there to raise money for organ repair/restoration. Are there TWO organs there with a smaller one that works? (We have been in some large cathedrals where they save wear and tear on the main organ by using a much smaller organ for daily services.)
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris -
I've been to Sint-Niklaaskerk but some years ago. IMHO, worth the visit even if you can't hear the 'main' organ!
It does appear like the church currently has two organs: the famous Cavaillé-Coll, and the Flentrop, which was moved there in 2006 to fill in during the other instrument's restoration.
Using a translator for the church's website, this text:
http://www.sintniklaaskerk.be/de-kerk/
"Recently, the Cavaillé-Coll organ, the flagship of the St. Nicholas Church, has been on view again. This instrument is very exceptional in our regions and is in the queue to be restored. For example, in the future, the organ will re-fill the church with heavenly music.... Together with the city, the vzw is working for the restoration of this organ. But making this instrument playable again is also of great importance for both the association and all music lovers from Ghent and the surrounding area!"
So it sounds like it's still not operational. About the Flentrop organ:
https://www.bachconcerts.be/flentrop-organ/
https://www.bachconcerts.be
The Sint-Niklaas church in Ghent is divided in two main spaces and in the middle seperated by a (I assume) temporarily wall. The eastside (side Saint Bavo’s cathedral) is usually open to public and also where the mass is hold and also where one of the organs stays. The westside (side Korenmarkt) is most of the time closed and empty, seen only once an exhibition there. There is also an organ, but huger and placed to the wall above the western entrance of the church and must be the Cavaillé Coll organ.
A few years ago heard someone was playing the organ in the eastside part of the church. It’s more compact and placed, if I am well informed since 2011, between the columns near the altar and must be the Fentrop organ. Kathy's websites about the Bach concerts show that clearly.
The restoration of this church started 60 years ago and think is almost finished, but still some parts wait for restoration. Most has to do with budget and think the reason the Cavaillé Coll still needs restoration. That will happen, if I understand well, as soon there is enough money to start the project. Seems that takes a whole lot of time, obviously were are not in Paris. From the eastside of the church you can look through the glass door (in that temporarily wall) to the space at the westside. That door is always closed. Never noticed the organ, but must be easy to see knowing now there is one.
Thank you Kathy and Wil. Another mystery solved!
Chris
