The Grote Kerk has no less than four permanent musical instruments: three organs and a carillon. For many choirs this church is a favourite place for the performance of their concerts. An annual organ concert series and an annual carillon concert series are also organized.
The musical instruments of the Grote Kerk
The church has three organs at its disposale. The most impressive is the Kam organ. The principal organ of the church was built in the 17th century. In 1859, the Rotterdam organ builder Willem Hendrik Kam built a completely new organ was built into the existing cases.
City organist
Cor Ardesch has been the permanent organist of the Grote Kerk since 1998.
He was involved as an advisor in the realization of the Bach organ in the Grote Kerk. At the inauguration of this organ, in 2007, he was appointed city organist by the municipality of Dordrecht.
City carillonneur
Since the 16th century, Dordrecht has had a city carillonneur who plays the bells on market days, holidays and special occasions. The current city carillonneur is Boudewijn Zwart. He is also artistic director of the annual Tower Music Dordrecht festival.
read more on the city carillonneur
Sound recordings
The permanent instruments of the Grote Kerk deserve to be heard. The instruments come into their own best when they are listened to live. Yet, we do not want to withhold sound recordings from you.