Jan van Westenbrugge
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Jan van Westenbrugge (1948) plays Dutch, English and French organ works on his first solo CD from Maassluis, as well as compositions by Callaerts (Belgium) and Chadwick (America). Since 1974 he has been organist of the beautiful Bätz-Witte organ in the Reformed Church in Wateringen. In June 1996 he made a solo CD there under the title 'Westlandse Orgelklanken'. He also made solo LPs/CDs in the Martinikerk in Bolsward, Grote Kerk in Breda, Lutherse Kerk in The Hague and collaborated on various choir recordings. He can also be heard regularly on the radio and is the conductor of a mixed choir. The choral and song arrangements he is known for are usually created during the weekly services. A number of these arrangements have appeared in print.
The organ in the Groote Kerk in Maassluis is a familiar instrument to Jan van Westenbrugge, because he had lessons for years from Willem Oranje, who was the organist of this church from 1 January 1927 until his death on 2 April 1965. Between 2 April 1965 and 1 October 1965 (the date on which Feike Asma became organist here) Jan's father was the organist there and Jan also played there.
For a number of years he has also given concerts there.
Jan van Westenbrugge has received two awards:
1. On his 25th anniversary as an organist in 1992, for his interpretations of French organ music, the bronze medal from the Societé Academique d'Education 'Arts, Sciences et Lettres' in Paris;
2. On 14 March 1999, the silver insignia from the National Association of Church Guardians for fulfilling the function of organist for 25 years in the Reformed Church in Wateringen.
