For decades, organists from all over the world have travelled to Haarlem to attend the International Summer Academy for Organists. Every other year, some 80-100 students enjoy masterclasses given by leading international experts on the most famous organ in the world: the Christian Müller instrument in the St Bavokerk, situated in the historic centre of Haarlem. Since 2006, the restored Cavaillé Coll organ in the concert hall Philharmonie Haarlem, opposite St Bavo, has also become an important venue for masterclasses and recitals. Several other important historical organs also feature in the academy programme.
Opening weekend
The Festival opens on Friday 16 July with the first round of the famous International Organ Improvisation Competition. On Saturday 17 July, the programme will include a range of organ recitals and a performance of Mozart’s Requiem in the St Bavokerk. In addition, the second session of the first round of the competition will take place in the Haarlem Philharmonie. On Sunday afternoon 18 July, Gustav Leonhardt will give a harpsichord recital. On Monday 19 July, the daily masterclasses and lectures will commence.
Students of the Academy are invited to arrive on Friday 16 July, in order to enjoy both the start of the competition and the opening weekend of the 2010 Festival.
The 44th Summer Academy for Organists is open to professional organists and to organ students at an advanced stage in their studies, who wish to study aspects of organ repertoire and improvisation in greater depth.
Language
Tuition will be given in English. It is therefore absolutely essential that active students have a good understanding of this language.
NL: De voertaal van de Academie is engels. Actieve studenten dienen deze taal goed te verstaan.
D: Die Unterrichtssprache der Akademie ist die Englische Sprache. Studenten sollen gut Englisch verstehen.
F: La langue véhiculaire de l'Académie étant l'anglais, les étudiants actifs doivent avoir une connaissance passive de cette langue.
Further information
The organisation offers a range of practise instruments in Haarlem and the surrounding area.
A number of students, chosen by the professors, will have the opportunity to play during a public recital which will be held in the St. Bavokerk on Friday 30 July.
All students attending the academy will receive a certificate of participation.
In unavoidable circumstances, IOH reserves the right to alter the teachers or academy programme. In such cases, participants will be informed as soon as possible.
Where to stay
Upon request (see the application form), the organisation can help to arrange Bed & Breakfast accommodation in private homes, mainly in the suburbs of Haarlem (within app. 30 minutes travel from the centre of the festival). B & B costs €27,50 per night. The number of B&B addresses is limited and they will be assigned on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. The prompt submission of accommodation requests is therefore essential. When accommodated in a private home, sensitivity to the situation and to the wishes of the host will be greatly appreciated.
Accommodation at the Haarlem youth hostel Stay Okay costs from €27,50 per night; early booking is recommended.
We can also recommend a range of guest houses and apartments in Zandvoort aan Zee, a seaside resort 15 minutes by train from Haarlem. Early booking is strongly recommended due to the holiday season.
