Stadsorgelconcert in de Grote of St. Bavokerk

Sietze de Vries is the organist of the Martinikerk in Groningen, head teacher of organ and theory at the Prins Claus Conservatorium there, and is internationally active as a concert organist. A focal point of his activities is the craft of improvisation in combination with old organs. For this, he developed his own teaching methodology, based on the old masters. This method can now also be followed online and has gained many followers internationally. Sietze de Vries studied, among others, with Wim van Beek, Jan Jongepier, and Jos van der Kooy. He won 15 awards at organ competitions, including l’Europe & l’Orgue and the international improvisation competition Haarlem. As a sought-after performer, excursion leader, teacher, jury member, and speaker, Sietze de Vries travels not only throughout Europe but also extends his field of work to the USA, Canada, Russia, Australia, and South Africa. 

Sietze de Vries is the regular accompanist of the Koorschool Noord Nederland, and in that capacity, he collaborates with his wife, conductor Sonja de Vries. The Roden Girl Choristers have a renowned reputation as ambassadors of Anglican church music, but they also demonstrate the importance of developing young talent. 

In addition to the aforementioned activities, Sietze de Vries is active as an editor of the professional magazine 'Het Orgel' and writes extensively on improvisation, organ building, and church music. 

From May to October, concerts are held on Tuesday evenings and in July and August also on Thursday afternoons in the Great or St. Bavo Church by renowned organists from home and abroad.