Library

Orpheus library collection

The collection brings together works on topics such as musical practice, performance practice, artistic testimony, creativity, experimentation, philosophy, and aesthetics. The library also houses an extensive collection of journals, recordings, and scores. In addition, dissertations by graduated doctoral students and laureates are given a prominent place in the collection.

Ton Koopman collection

In 2020 Orpheus Instituut acquired the prestigious library of Ton Koopman. The focus of the collection is 17th- and 18th-century music, its cultural context and performance practice.

In the course of his sixty-year career, Koopman has collected an impressive collection of books and music. Among the thousands of prints and manuscripts are numerous unique works. In addition to this historical library with works from the 15th to the early 19th century, Koopman has also collected thousands of modern books and periodicals on Baroque music and culture. Many of the books have been annotated extensively by the artist himself, making the collection unique.

The Ton Koopman Collection is currently the focus of the research group Resounding Libraries, led by Dr. Bruno Forment. This cluster develops projects that engage with the collection in order to foster innovative artistic practices and advance new methodologies in the digital humanities. In this context, Orpheus Instituut is also providing digital access to the collection, making it available to researchers in Belgium and beyond. At present, 266 manuscripts and 400 historical prints have been digitized and are made available via the catalog.

Visit the Ton Koopman collection

Orpheus Instituut Koetshuis
Korte Meer 20A, 9000 Ghent

Contact: dr. Bruno Forment

Library officers: Sigrid T'Hooft & Liesa Deville

Fonds Paul Thwaites

The ‘Fonds Paul Thwaites’ was bequeathed by the friends and family of Paul Thwaites (1954-2020). For his respected blog Semi-Brevity, Paul Thwaites collected thousands of records on the pioneers of historical performance practice. He has also left an archive of concert programmes, interviews and literature on the subject.

Other specialized collections

• Gerard Corver (1929-2009) was professor of philosophy at the University of Groningen. His legacy comprises over 750 books on philosophy, aesthetics, and psychology. Gusta Goldschmidt: photographs, press clippings, manuscripts, and recordings by and about the early music pioneer Gusta Goldschmidt (1913-2005) and her teacher, Wanda Landowska (1879-1959).
• Johan Huys: this collection of around 300 scores and books on music was donated by Johan Huys (b. 1942), the organist, harpsichordist, and former chair of Orpheus Instituut’s board of governorners.
• Frans de Ruiter: dozens of books, scores, and vinyl records donated by Frans de Ruiter (1946-2025), the former director of ACPA Leiden, the Conservatoire of The Hague, Holland Festival, and Oude Muziek Utrecht.
• Silvio Senn (1940-2024) was a philosopher and musician whose work bridged metaphysics, aesthetics, and music. His legacy in our library comprises nearly 300 books on philosophy and literature.
• Jed Wentz: hundreds of 78 rpm shellac discs, focusing on early music pioneers, donated by the conductor, traverso player, historical theatre specialist, and docARTES alumnus Jed Wentz (b. 1960).

Visit the library

Korte Meer 12, 9000 Ghent

Library materials can only be consulted on-site during office hours.
Please make an appointment at least one week in advance.

Contact: Kathleen Snyers

Catalogue

Our library catalogue is available via CaGeWeB: www.cageweb.be

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