Jos van der Kooy (born 1951) holds one of the most prestigeous posts in the international music world:
he is the city organist of the famous Müller organ in the Great or Saint Bavo Church in Haarlem, The Netherlands.
He is a virtuoso interpreter as well as a brilliant improviser.
Jos van der Kooy studied organ and improvisation with Piet Kee at the Conservatory of Amsterdam where he was awarded the Prix d'Excellence in 1981.
He continued his studies with Hans Haselböck (improvisation), Ewald Kooiman (Bach and French baroque music), Daniel Roth (Franck) and Charles de Wolff (Liszt, Reger and twentieth century repertoire).
Since 1981 Jos van der Kooy has been the director of music and organist of the Westerkerk in Amsterdam. In 1990 he was appointed city organist of Haarlem. In this position he presides over the Müller organ in the Great or Saint Bavo church during the annual recital series. He is involved in the International Organ Festival, Haarlem, as teacher, adjudicator, and member of the board. Internationally he has participated in festivals in Altenberg, Kazan, Neurenberg, Saint Albans, St. Petersburg and Vienna.
Van der Kooy teaches organ, improvisation and church music at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and at the Conservatory in Alkmaar. He makes recordings for TV, radio and CD. His interpretation of the music of Max Reger and César Franck is met with much approval. He is an advocate of contemporary music, especially the work of Dutch composers. As a concert artist, church organist and teacher, he propogates the art of improvisation.
The following prizes and awards have been conferred upon him:
E-mail Jos van der Kooy