Ghent is preparing for a festive summer. The Gents Orgelcentrum, an institution that put the city on the map as 'Organ City par excellence', celebrates its 75th anniversary. Following annual tradition, the organ sounds of the Sint-Baafskathedraal fill the streets of Ghent's city center every Thursday evening in July and August. This jubilee year culminates with a festive closing concert on 28 August and a unique exhibition on the rich history of Ghent's organ life.
For 75 years, the Gents Orgelcentrum has been an indispensable player in Flanders' cultural landscape. The organization, founded in 1950 by visionary professor Gabriël Verschraegen, has worked tirelessly to keep the art and history of the organ alive. What once began with the journal 'De Schalmei' and the 'Gentse Orgelfeesten', grew into one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious organ concert series.
Under the later chairmanship of Dirk Verschraegen and in collaboration with former cathedral organist Edward De Geest, the Organ Center gained international prominence. Hundreds of organists from around the world made their way to the impressive organ of the Sint-Baafskathedraal and placed Ghent firmly on the cultural world map.
A monumental instrument as the heart of the city
Frank Heye, the current chairman of the Gents Orgelcentrum, emphasizes the unique position of the instrument: "The current organ of Ghent's Sint-Baafskathedraal has a rich history that began in the 17th century. Over the years it underwent transformations by renowned Belgian organ builders such as Nicolas Langlez, Jean-Baptiste Forceville and Pieter van Peteghem."
The monumental character that the organ possesses today is largely due to the visionary expansion in 1935. At that time, a new organ from the German firm Klais, purchased at the World's Fair in Brussels, was placed in the choir and coupled to the historic organ. This instantly made it the largest organ in the Benelux. "Through this it gained enormous potential to perform a wide range of organ literature and became a source of inspiration for composers," says Heye.
Jubilee edition with festive finale
The 2025 concert cycle is a special jubilee edition. The traditional Thursday evening concerts in July and August lead up to a grand closing concert on Thursday 28 August.
For this festive finale, the organ engages in dialogue with the orchestra Prima La Musica, under the inspiring leadership of maestro Dirk Brossé. The organ soloists are cathedral organist Nicolas De Troyer and chairman Frank Heye. The presentation of the evening is in the hands of Tineke Van Ingelgem.
"This closing concert will be a festive event," says Frank Heye. "This finale gives on one hand the impetus to continue a rich tradition and on the other hand a beginning of renewal."
Closing Concert Programme – 28 August 2025
- Gabriel Verschraegen: Concerto for organ and chamber orchestra
- Soloist: Frank Heye
- Dirk Brossé: At the Gate of Eternity (for string orchestra)
- Maurice Duruflé: Prélude et fugue sur le nom d'Alain (organ solo)
- Soloist: Nicolas De Troyer
- Dirk Brossé: Ode an die Freude - recomposed
- Flor Peeters: Lied aan de Zon (from 'Lied-symphonie', organ solo)
- Soloist: Frank Heye
- Francis Poulenc: Concerto en sol mineur
- Soloist: Nicolas De Troyer
Exhibition: 75 years of organ history
Alongside the concerts, a unique exhibition runs in the baptistery of the cathedral, bringing 75 years of Ghent's organ history to life. Visitors can dive into the past through historical posters, program booklets from 1951 to today, handwritten scores from founder Gabriël Verschraegen, rare copies of the journal 'De Schalmei' and an overview of all cathedral organists who have played the Ghent organ.
The Performers
Nicolas De Troyer
Nicolas De Troyer has been the titular organist of Sint-Baafskathedraal since the end of 2019. He studied organ, harpsichord and musicology at the Lemmensinstituut and KU Leuven and earned several master's diplomas with the highest distinction. As a sought-after continuo player, he has worked with ensembles such as Il Fondamento and La Petite Bande. He is a laureate of various international competitions and recorded his first solo CD in 2014. Alongside his work as a passionate musician, he teaches at the Hamme music academy and is an enthusiastic speaker about music.
Frank Heye
Frank Heye is a versatile musician, active as a concert organist, teacher and chairman of the Gents Orgelcentrum. He studied at the Lemmensinstituut in Leuven, where he developed his skills in organ and piano, and perfected his craft through various masterclasses. As a pedagogue, he is affiliated with the music academies of Eeklo and Deinze. His passion for Belgian symphonic and modern organ literature is expressed in his concert programs. In his role as chairman, he continues the rich tradition of Ghent's organ life with dedication and an eye toward the future.
Dirk Brossé
Dirk Brossé is one of the most respected and versatile Belgian composers and conductors. He is music director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, professor of composition and conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Ghent and music director of the World Soundtrack Awards. His extensive oeuvre comprises more than 400 works, from concerti and oratorias to the iconic film score for Daens. As a conductor, he has led world-renowned orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and collaborated with artists such as John Williams, Jessye Norman and Hans Zimmer. For his cultural contributions, he was ennobled by King Philip.
Prima La Musica
Prima La Musica, under the direction of Dirk Brossé, is a Flemish chamber orchestra with variable instrumentation. The orchestra is known for its original approach, distinctive repertoire and interdisciplinary projects. With an open perspective on art and society, it aims to fulfil a unique role in the concert landscape and provide a platform for young, talented talent.
The complete programme of the summer concerts can be found on the poster of the Gents Orgelcentrum. For more information, you can consult the website of the Sint-Baafskathedraal.