Despite the planned SSLSO trip being postponed in the light of covid and possible travel concerns, Marilyn and Norman travelled to Bellingwolde to give their long planned recital on a wonderful JC Schnitger two manual and pedal organ.

Bellingwolde is situated in the northern part of the Netherlands. The area is flat, consisting of many beautiful houses and wide spaces. Many trees line the roads where the Magnuskerk is situated.  Pieter Shaw has been appointed as one of the organists who plays for the once monthly Sunday morning service, and is now furthering his organ studies with a Dutch teacher, Peter Westerbrink.

Marilyn’s and Norman’s recital on the two manual and pedal organ by JC Schnitger included music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Thomas Tomkins, Dietrich Buxtehude, Giovanni Bonincini, JS Bach, Miroslav Skoryk, and JP Sweelinck.

A link to the recording of the concert is here. It lasts approximately 90 minutes, including a long interval and will expire on April 3 2023 (note: the introduction starts at 05:39, and the concert at 09:30).

The Society plans to reschedule the trip for members for March 2023. This year’s was kindly organised by Pieter Shaw and would have included trips to play on a number of historic Dutch organs, as well as getting to know local culture and cuisine.