The Hinsz organ in the Petruskerk in Leens

For decades the Hinsz organ in Leens has lured Dutch and foreign adherents of North-German baroque organs to the province of Groningen.  Since the restoration of this instrument in 1968 there have been more than a thousand concerts given, with a total of nearly 80,000 visitors.  Each year many organists come to play the instrument.  It is a recurring podium for the organ competitions organized by the Stichting (Foundation) Groningen Orgelland, and has also been recorded many times.  After so many years of intensive use a restoration was thought necessary.  This was carried out by Reil of Heerde, and completed in 2021.  Henk de Vries was the consultant.  This article discusses the history of the instrument and the recent restoration project.  The authors also give their impression of the restored instrument.