In 2007, I applied for the position of organist/pianist at the Keizersgrachtkerk. The organ, built in 1897 by the Dutch organ builder Steenkuyl, had just undergone an extensive restoration, and now the church wanted to expand its team of musicians with a third player. I was welcomed by the conductor—who was also an organist and pianist—and the two organists already working there. They asked me to play an organ piece and to improvise on a song called ‘Hoog te paard’ (‘High on Horseback’). Improvisation is not my strongest suit, but fortunately I was allowed to prepare, and the title sparked my imagination.

After completing this task, they asked: “What is your relationship to faith?” Oh no, I thought, how am I going to answer that? I had once been rejected as a pianist for a church choir because I said I wasn’t religious. Since then, I had always avoided the question and would answer, “I have no church background.” But in this setting, the question was asked so openly and warmly that the answer came out before I even realized it: “I’m searching.” It turned out to be a perfect answer. Since then, I have come to know the Keizersgrachtkerk as a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of background, religious beliefs or non-beliefs, or sexual orientation.

The Keizersgrachtkerk is a spacious, light-filled, and inviting church. Upon entering, the eye is immediately drawn to the organ, which is mounted on the back wall above the pulpit. The structure of the services allows for a great deal of participation from the congregation. Together with one of the pastors, members of the community prepare the services in planning groups. Each group is responsible for a series of services based on a specific theme. Participants choose the readings, the children’s story, and the hymns. During the service, group members take on the role of liturgist: they explain the theme of the service, read the scripture, and tell the children’s story.