Donation for the preservation of the baroque Scholtze organ and support for the association's work

„The Promotion of art and culture in Havelberg and the region is a matter close to our hearts,“ says Andreas Lewerken, reaffirming the decision to establish the company founded on June 13, 2014. „Association for the restoration and preservation of the baroque Scholtze organ of St. Laurentius Church in Havelberg e.V.“ with a financial donation.

The initiative to found the association came from cathedral cantor Matthias Bensch, who was also elected chairman at the inaugural meeting. The restoration work carried out on the outer shell of the town church as part of the BUGA preparations had encouraged cathedral cantor Matthias Bensch to also tackle the restoration of the organ, which had long been pending.

The baroque organ by organ builder Gottlieb Scholtze (master student of the famous organ builder Joachim Wagner) is one of three surviving larger Scholtze organs, the restoration of which is also an important undertaking from a cultural and historical perspective. The aim of the restoration measures is to return the town church organ to its original state from 1754 - This was no easy task, considering the 50 % of original substance that had been preserved, the replacement pipes that had been made with poor expertise and the overall desolate condition of the organ. In order to tackle the major challenges of the restoration and raise the necessary funds, the association was founded, which also includes Andreas and Renate Lewerken have joined as founding members.

Renate Lewerken presented the first donation to the association's board on the very day it was founded, setting the tone: „The restoration of the organ is a project that is absolutely worth supporting, and with this donation we would also like to encourage cathedral cantor Matthias Bensch to stick to his ambitious goals,“ says Renate Lewerken.

Regular international organ competitions and organ master classes with renowned lecturers are planned in the town church of St. Laurentius, which will attract culture enthusiasts to Havelberg and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the town. „We therefore appeal to everyone who is interested in the organ and cultural development in the Havel region to support the restoration through Donations or join the association as a supporting member,“ says Andreas Lewerken, „because it is only through the active participation of many people in charitable projects that projects like this can be accomplished.“