In 2025, Groningen’s two main churches—the Akerk and the Martinikerk—are teaming up for a special series of four organ concerts. These performances will highlight the major organ works of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Robert Schumann, played on the historic organs of both churches. Mendelssohn discovered Bach’s music at an early age and became a lifelong admirer. He not only helped bring Bach’s work back into the spotlight but also infused his own compositions with Bach’s influence, while still maintaining his personal voice. His deep appreciation for Bach also inspired other composers like Schumann, Brahms, and Liszt—so throughout the series, Bach’s presence is strongly felt as a guiding influence.

The concerts also include a local historical connection: Groningen organist Jan (Johannes) Worp, who in 1852 studied at the newly founded Leipzig Conservatory—then a major center of Western music. Worp immersed himself in the styles of Mendelssohn and Schumann and studied under leading Bach interpreters of the time. As a unique addition to the program, the two organ fantasies Worp composed after his time in Leipzig will be performed. Notably, Worp is the only organist to have held positions in both the Akerk and the Martinikerk.

The first concert in the series takes place on June 22, when Peter Westerbrink, resident organist of the Akerk, will perform music by composers influenced by Bach.