Do you dream of working with two of the most remarkable historic organs in the Netherlands for three years? Would you like to develop artistically under the guidance of an internationally renowned organist and perform at one of Europe’s most iconic locations? The Pieterskerk Leiden is looking for its third Junior Organist-in-Residence (up to and including age 35) for the period from September 2027 to September 2030. This special residency offers a unique combination of artistic development, performance, coaching and experiencing heritage.

The Pieterskerk Leiden is organising an organ Masterclass & Audition in two parts: Part 1 (Friday 27 to Monday 30 November 2026) & Part 2 (Friday 9 to Monday 12 April 2027). There is room for a maximum of three candidates. Participants must be fully available during both periods.

The application deadline is 1 September 2026. The selected candidates will be announced before 1 October 2026.

Download the application requirements here

During the masterclasses both organs of the Pieterskerk Leiden will be played: the Van Hagerbeer Organ and the Thomas Hill organ. Léon Berben will conduct the organ lessons for the participants and will guide the young organists artistically. Besides individual lessons the programme includes workshops with Johan Zoutendijk (director of Verschueren Organ Builders) and Jan Verschuren (Leiden University organist). And naturally there will also be an opportunity to discover Leiden.

Masterclass part 1 – Friday 27 November to Monday 30 November 2026
Masterclass part 2 – Friday 9 April to Monday 12 April 2027

In september 2025 Mariusz Kozieł started as the new junior organist-in-residence of the Pieterskerk Leiden. He will be at the Pieterskerk for a two year period and give regular organ concerts, besides others activities connected to the rich musical culture of the Pieterskerk.

Mariusz Kozieł grew up in Poland and enjoyed an education under professor Witold Zaborny, among others. He studied at the Karol Szymanowski Musical Academy in Katowice, where he finished his bachelor and master with distinction. Since 2024 he has continued hist studies at Codarts in Rotterdam.

As both a harpsichordist and organist Léon Berben can be regarded as a master of his art. His expansive knowledge of musical history and historical musical practices make him one of the leading figures among the musicians of his generation.

Léon Berben will guide the masterclasses in the Pieterskerk Leiden artistically in the search for a junior organist-in-residence.

At the start of 2022 Léon Berben created a CD-recording of the oeuvre of Anthonie van Noordt (ca. 1619-1675) on the Van Hagerbeer organ. This new organ-CD will be presented at the end of 2022.