ORGAN HUNTING in the Netherlands - SEASON 2 - Ep. 3 – Amsterdam 1

ORGAN HUNTING in the Netherlands – Season 2 Episode 3: Amsterdam-Watergraafsmeer, Koningskerk "Something COMPLETELY different" EPISODE THEME Postwar idealism, architectural controversy, and the unexpected sonorous beauty of a 1960s organ In this episode, Jon Liinason and organ builder Sander Booij visit Amsterdam’s Koningskerk (King’s Church) in the Watergraafsmeer district—a striking white modernist building with a rich and unexpected history. Here stands a remarkable organ built in 1960 by Mense Ruiter, one of the founding figures of Dutch postwar organ craftsmanship. The organ itself almost didn’t happen. The church’s architect resisted the idea of placing any organ in the space at all. But Ruiter insisted—offering to let the architect demolish it if he didn’t approve of the final result. The bold compromise was a slanted installation, and a sonorous, powerful instrument that ultimately won over even some of its most skeptical critics. Today, the organ is preserved nearly in its original condition. From secret tuning doors to unusual pipework and bold tonal experiments, the instrument tells the story of a time when tradition and innovation collided in unexpected ways. The Koningskerk—now home to a Surinamese congregation—adds yet another cultural layer to this living musical space. If you’re curious about modernist sacred architecture, mid-20th century organ aesthetics, or the behind-the-scenes world of pipe organ restoration, this episode is for you. Episodes of ORGAN HUNTING in the Netherlands – Season 2 are published weekly on Saturdays at 19:00 (CET) on: GIOA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/organacademy GIOA YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@gioa GIOA website https://www.organacademy.org/organ-hunting-in-the-netherland FILM Jon Liinason Göteborg International Organ Academy A world of tactile passion and new sounds – for all! www.organacademy.org