Since 2008, the Betts Centre has organised annual trips for organ scholars to play historic organs throughout Continental Europe. In recent years, students have explored Bach country, Northern and Southern Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The trips usually take place in mid-September and are about a week long (occasionally there have been shorter trips in April). Seeing, hearing, and playing the kind of organs which Bach, Buxtehude, Frescobaldi, Couperin, and innumerable others knew and played is a revelation in the most profound way, and it is safe to say that these trips have been game-changers for everyone who has participated.
In September 2022, a small group, led by Dr Nicholas Prozzillo, visited Bologna, Brescia, and Bergamo. In addition to the group of organ scholars, we were delighted to have Nigel Allcoat along with us. Thanks to him we have these delightful photos of the trip.
