Organ Scholar in Ratingen (DE)

From October 2025, Steven is appointed as organ scholar in the church of St. Peter and Paul in Ratingen (Germany). Ratingen, a small city north from Düsseldorf, is already known as an organ hotspot for many renowned organists all over the world. The titular organist Ansgar Wallenhorst is prizewinner of the 42nd Haarlem Improvisation Competition, international concert organist and acclaimed teacher. He invited Steven to come to Ratingen for a period of 2 years to work and learn.

The activities are playing in the liturgy, mainly in St Peter and Paul, performing concerts, discovering the Seifert Organ with Sinua-system and being part of the musical life in Ratingen. This is all under the mentorship of Ansgar Wallenhorst.

The organ of St Peter and Paul in Ratingen was built in 1953 by Romanus Seifert & Sohn from Kevelaer. Since 2006 the instrument received its first expansion, with a new electronic console, solo tuba’s, stentorphons and a cornet. In 2016, the choir organ was added, which is placed behind the high altar. Ratingen is the first organ with the SINUA-system, which is an application to the organ with ways to create new organ stops, loops, division of manuals and pedals and deliberating organ stops so that they can play on any manual the player wants. The organs of Orgelpark in Amsterdam also has this system.

This opportunity is possible because of the support of the Förderverein Musica sacra Ratingen e.V..

Steven Knieriem at the console of the Seifert Organ in St. Peter and Paulin Ratingen, Germany.