Dear all,

We are researchers in the Philosophy Department at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Maastricht University (NL). Our research is concerned with the restoration and re-construction of old church organs. 

It is our contention that these musical instruments are important components of European cultural heritage. There are many organs throughout Europe that date back hundreds of years, however they can no longer be played because they have deteriorated beyond repair, leaving them to be nothing more than museum pieces or relics. 

We aim to examine the processes by which builders recreate these historical objects by modeling new organs on the original components of the original organs, aiming to recreate the original sound material according to the latest scientific and aesthetic insights. This process of rebuilding preserves these objects not just as historical artifacts, but also as instruments that can be used for performance. As instruments, they are intended to replicate ancient musical cultures while remaining part of a living musical culture. Recently, both performers and scholars have turned their attention to the broader contexts of use of these instruments, exploring the design and acoustic characteristics of buildings like churches and concert halls, and studying the listening practices of audiences. (Re)constructing and designing the material and spatial basis or the use of the organ as cultural heritage also involves modern scientific and technological knowledge.

We would be interested in dialogue with potential collaborators from either the academic or the musical and heritage sector.

Best regards,

Peter Peters
Darryl Cressman

Maastricht University
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Philosophy
P.O. Box 616
6200 MD  Maastricht
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 43 3883453 / 3319
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