Het Internationaal Orgelfestival Haarlem bestaat 75 jaar! En dat is niet onopgemerkt. Lees de vele felicitaties vanuit allerlei hoeken van de orgelwereld en daarbuiten.
Jos Wienen, Mayor of the city Haarlem
‘For 75 years, the Haarlem Organ Festival has been an international calling card for our city and a source of musical inspiration. Heartfelt congratulations to all who make this special tradition possible and keep it alive.’
Olivier Latry, titularis Notre-Dame Parijs
‘I am wondering how many musicians have traveled to the Netherlands since 75 years, like pilgrims, to immerse themselves in any fields of the organ culture, around the magnificent Muller organ… Every two years, Haarlem has been a place of exchange, discussions, discovery, astonishment, passion; a worldwide institution!
75 years! That’s impressive. Showing to a wide audience the vitality of the organ and the organists, it proves also that, in spite of different points of view, people from all over the word can meet in a friendly atmosphere, making music and listening to music together. In a very unstable time, this becomes a very important symbol…
Congratulations to all people who have made the Haarlem Organ Festival what it is nowadays. And the wish that we all continue our efforts to celebrate, in 25 years, an incredible centenary!’
Erik van Muiswinkel, comedian, Haarlem resident and organ enthusiast
‘Every other year, our historic city welcomes the very best in the world of the organ: legendary performers and brand-new child wonders. Discerning listeners and amazed newcomers come together. A cherished tradition: a resounding congratulations!’
Peter Planyavky, oud-organist Stefansdom Wenen, oud-deelnemer, jurylid en docent
‘„Haarlem“ has been with me – or I have been with Haarlem – for more than half a century. So many grand things to remember! I have experienced and enjoyed as a single person what constitutes the idea of „Haarlem“ for many: a place where ideas, styles and people meet and exchange. Haarlem is the venerable grandmother of many other festivals. I wish you that it may continue on and on, and I congratulate you to your 75th birthday!’
Francesca Ajossa, organist and ambassador of the Dutch organ culture 2026 in The Netherlands
‘For two weeks, the Organ Festival becomes the beating heart of the city of Haarlem. It’s bringing people together from many different places and interests, inspiring them and creating places of community. I’m sure that the Organ Festival will keep inspiring people for a lot more years to come.’
Edwin van Balken, managing director, PHIL Haarlem
‘It is with great pleasure and pride that I mark this special milestone: 75 years of Haarlem Organ Festival. For 75 years, this festival has brought together and inspired generations of organ enthusiasts.
On behalf of PHIL, I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this success: to the organists and musicians who never fail to move us, to the volunteers, staff, partners and sponsors who make the festival possible, and to the loyal audience who show their commitment year after year.
Above all, I would like to pay tribute to everyone who, over the past 75 years, has helped build the reputation and significance of the Haarlem Organ Festival. Thanks to their passion, craftsmanship and dedication, we have today a festival that not only honours the rich heritage of organ art, but also offers scope for innovation. Heartfelt congratulations on this wonderful anniversary. I hope that the Haarlem Organ Festival will continue to be a source of inspiration for many years to come and will continue to ensure a promising future for the organ!’
Andrea Leine en Harijono Roebana, LeineRoebana
‘Our warmest congratulations on all the good work you do to connect heaven and earth through music. We hope that many more young generations will be enchanted by the organ.’
