Organ rebuilder, 94
RIPThe death has been announced of Jürgen Ahrend, a German craftsman famed for restoring damaged organs in Dutch and German churches.
His most important work can be heard in the Martinikerk in Groningen and St. Jacobi in Hamburg.
His son, Hendrik, continues the workshop.
The UK only has one organ by the firm of Ahrend: it’s in the Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh (next door to the McEwan Hall). I’ve heard this instrument several times & had the privilege of giving recitals there. It’s a wonderful organ: one of the best in Britain and ideal for playing music by Bach & his contemporaries.