The 57th International Organ Festival Haarlem, running from July 18 to August 1, 2026, will host a significant cultural milestone with the world premiere of Iter Arcanum. This substantial work marks the very first organ composition by the prominent Dutch composer Joey Roukens. The debut of this piece is especially celebratory as it coincides with the festival’s 75th anniversary.

The world premiere is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, during the opening concert at the Grote of St. Bavokerk. With Iter Arcanum, Joey Roukens has crafted an impressive four-movement cycle spanning approximately 26 minutes. The performance will be delivered by the renowned organist Matthias Havinga, who will utilize the vast tonal palette of the famous Christian Müller organ to bring Roukens’ unique musical language to life.

This special event is integrated into an interdisciplinary program titled Silenzio. This project is a close collaboration with the dance company LeineRoebana, allowing Roukens’ music to enter into a dynamic dialogue with modern dance. The composition guides the listener through four successive stages: Porta, Meditatio, Labyrinthus, and finally Transitus. The festival thus offers a rare opportunity to experience how one of today’s most esteemed composers translates the grand tradition of the organ into a modern, immersive journey.