25 August 2019 at 20:00

Peter Van de Velde, organ

Peter Van de Velde began his organ studies at the age of nine. Aged twelve, he became organist at the local church in the little Flemish village of Doel. He received his first formal tuition at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts, and pursued his studies at the Royal Antwerp Conservatory of Music where he won several first prizes and other awards. In 1996 he obtained his Masters, and was the last pupil of Stanislas Deriemaeker. Since early 2002, in his capacity as titular-organist of Antwerp Cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in the low countries, he plays on both the romantic Schyven-organ (1891) and the classical Metzler-organ (1993). He also holds the position of organist at the church of St Michael in Antwerp, and is artistic adviser for several organ committees in and around Antwerp. His concert tours bring him all over Europe, North America, the Middle and the Far East. He is also much in demand as an accompanist for choirs and instrumental and vocal soloists. He plays regularly as a soloist with various orchestras. He has a very wide repertoire, ranging from early baroque to contemporary; and he is renowned for his performances of 19th and 20th century music from his native country, showcasing composers such as Edgar Tinel, Joseph Jongen, Paul de Maleingreau, Flor Peeters, Joseph Callaerts and Guy Weitz.