Bellingen –The Anna de Croy organ, an instrument dating back 375 years located in the former Cantimpré Abbey in Bellingen, has undergone extensive restoration by renowned organ builder Guido Schumacher. The restoration is now complete, and a concert on Sunday will feature performances by Sarah Copriau and Stin Hanssens, celebrating the legacy of Duchess Anna de Croy, reports 24brussels.
The organ, situated in East Flanders, Belgium, has been revived after a significant period out of use. Jan Liefooghe emphasized its importance as a historical connection, noting how its music traditionally graced the abbey during Mass and personal prayers.
Celebrating the Historical Anna de Croy Organ
The celebratory concert is scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. It will honor the duchess and showcase a variety of music, including baroque pieces, traditional folk songs, arrangements of Beatles tracks, and compositions by female composers, accompanied by a diverse group of musicians.
Guido Schumacher, based in Eupen, dedicated nearly two years to restoring the organ, a project reflecting his expertise in preserving and constructing significant historical instruments. His previous works include restorations in Antwerp Cathedral and St. Martin’s Basilica in Halle, sustaining the organ’s original character throughout the process.
This nearly 375-year-old instrument is pivotal to local heritage, although its original builder remains unknown. It derives its name from Duchess Anna de Croy, a noblewoman of the 17th century who frequented the abbey and supported its activities. She had a private prayer area on the church’s rood screen, allowing her to listen to the organ while engaged in prayer. Lieve Dekempeneer of Kunst in Pepingen remarked on the extraordinary nature of an organ named after a woman, calling it a rare heritage piece with a significant history.
