Pipes Alive!
Sat Oct 25, 15:00 - Sat Oct 25, 17:00
NHKA Krugersdorp West
ABOUT
Join us on 25 October 2025 for a spectacular Organ Concert, dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of this magnificent instrument. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward this particular organ's upkeep, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition for generations to come.
Come and experience the beauty of this historic organ in full voice while supporting its future. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of exquisite music for a great cause!
Tickets will also be available at the door.
Refreshments will be sold during interval.
ABOUT THE ORGAN
The organ, manufactured by South African Organ Builders (Pty) Ltd in collaboration with EF Walcker & Co of Orgelbau Ludwigsburg, Württ, Germany, stands as a testament to the community's dedication to music and religion.
The organ was constructed during 1955-1956 and was the first organ in South Africa to feature a Rückpositiv. This means that there is a whole set of pipes placed behind the organist, standing separately from the main organ. The organ comprises a rich variety of pipe ranks, including the 16-foot trombone, which makes the building resonate deeply, and the bright flutes that bring a sparkling atmosphere.
The Walcker organ has a rich history of musical worship in the Krugersdorp West Congregation. It has been played by a series of skilled organists who brought the sounds of the organ to life. Among them was Stephanus Hofmeyr van der Merwe, commonly known as Oom Hoffie, who played the organ from November 1, 1956, until March 19, 2000. After his passing, he was laid to rest on the church grounds. In his will, he left an amount to the congregation for the maintenance of the organ.? Aunt Sophie played the organ from March 2000 until Covid struck South Africa, and her successors include David Marsden (January 2022 to January 2023) and Pierre Smit (January 2023 to the present)
Due to a lack of funds and Covid, the organ was last tuned in 2016 and remained in that state until June 2023. During his time as organist, Pierre Smit revived the pipes that had fallen silent, maintained the general tuning of the organ where his knowledge allowed, and brought the organ back to almost 100% functionality. In 2024, the organ was professionally tuned using funds from the last benefit concert.
THE ORGAN
ABOUT OUR PERFORMERS
Theo van Wyk began his organ studies in Kimberley under Peter Black at St Cyprian’s Cathedral. He later pursued his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in organ performance at the University of the Free State and the University of Pretoria, earning both cum laude. In 2005, Theo became the first person in South Africa to be awarded a DMus in Organ Performance, with his thesis focusing on Georg Friedrich Kauffmann’s Harmonische Seelenlust.
Theo has performed internationally, including recitals at prestigious venues such as Westminster Abbey (UK), St Thomas’ Church Fifth Avenue (New York), and the Grote Sint Laurenskerk (Netherlands). He has also lectured and conducted workshops globally, including in the United States, Sweden, and Scotland. In 2022, he was a presenter and performer at the inaugural International Online Organ Festival, and in 2023, he was invited to present at the renowned Julliard School in New York.
As a soloist, Theo has performed with the Johannesburg Philharmonic and other prominent orchestras, under conductors like Daniel Boico and Richard Cock. He has premiered several works for organ, including pieces by Richard Pantcheff and Sjirdan Hofman. Theo is also active in the South African organ community, regularly advising on the installation and restoration of organs across the country. He currently serves as University Organist and Curator of Organs at the University of Pretoria, as well as being the organist of the New Apostolic Church Olympus in Pretoria.
Pierre began his musical journey at the age of five under the mentorship of Ousus Mulder in Westonaria. His early fascination with music was kindled by the majestic sounds of a pipe organ during Monday assemblies and Wednesday hymn sessions at his primary school. By Grade 7, Pierre had been appointed school accompanist at Uitsig Primary, a role he continued throughout high school at Uitsig High.
Pierre has participated in numerous eisteddfod events in both the Westrand and Centurion areas, receiving accolades for his performances in practical and theory examinations through the Ousus Mulder Music School. His passion for choral music, rooted in his upbringing within the Old Apostolic Church, blossomed further as he sang with the University of Pretoria Youth Choir (2003–2008). He later lent his voice to prestigious ensembles such as Sinkronies Chamber Choir, Cantare Jubiloso, and FFortissimo Vocal Ensemble, and has often contributed as a session chorister.
Pierre has also taken on the role of choirmaster for the Old Apostolic Youth Choir in both Midrand and Pretoria. His dedication to the pipe organ culminated in his appointment as the permanent organist for NHKA El Flora and NHKA Krugersdorp West, where he continues to share his love for this grand instrument.