The Busy Drone – Mechanical Organ Project

The Orgelpark is a venue in Amsterdam that seeks to recontextualize the (pipe) organ’s place in our current musical environment. There are many instruments in the building including an old mechanical organ from the early 20th century. This organ, the Busy Drone, had its genesis as a dance hall organ somewhere in Belgium, not unlike a jukebox. However, in the mid 20th century, it was sold to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and put into the care of a foundation called “The Busy Bee” who then commissioned many composers, Guus Jansen, Hans Muller, Vera Vingerhoeds, Louis Andreissen, and Gilius van Bergeijk among others. There has also been an impressive list of KC students that have also composed for the instrument!

The Orgelpark is non-profit foundation working in the areas of musical philanthropy and education with the belief that new music is just as important as established repertoire. The Busy Drone itself has a rich tradition of commissioning work, especially among KC students. Gilius van Bergeijk, a former KC teacher, worked extensively with the instrument.