Ben van Oosten

Bernardus Franciscus van Oosten (born 8 April 1955) is a Dutch organist, pedagogue and author. He is titular organist of the Grote Kerk in his hometown of The Hague and is an organ professor at Rotterdam Conservatoire.

Ben van Oosten
Birth nameBernardus Franciscus van Oosten
Born1955 (age 67–68)
The Hague, Netherlands
GenresClassical
Occupation(s)Organist, pedagogue, author
Instrument(s)Pipe organ

Biography

Ben van Oosten, as he is professionally known, was born in The Hague in 1955. He gave his first organ recital in 1970 at the age of 15. He was accepted at the prestigious Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam[1] and studied the organ with Albert de Klerk and piano with Berthe Davelaar. He graduated cum laude in 1979 with a diploma in organ solo.

He completed advanced studies in Paris, France, with André Isoir and Daniel Roth. Whether by geographical influence or artistic choice, he gravitated toward the French Romantic Organ school of the 19th century that had its origins in the new symphonic organs of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Van Oosten subsequently became one of the greatest practitioners and interpreters of organ works from that era. Among his recordings are the complete works of Charles-Marie Widor,[2] of Louis Vierne, and of Marcel Dupré, as well as the eight sonatas of Alexandre Guilmant and organ works of Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens and Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély.

Besides maintaining a heavy recital schedule and an active private teaching practice, he serves as organist for the Grote Kerk (The Hague)[3] and is a professor of music at the Rotterdam Conservatory.[4]

Among the honors and awards he has received are the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and the Diapason d'Or. In 1998, the French government awarded him the honorary rank of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his efforts in reviving the French Romantic tradition.

van Oosten is also known for possessing a 16-stop 3-manual residence organ by the Dutch organbuilders Van den Heuvel.

Discography

Bibliography
  • Vater der Orgelsymphonie, biography of Widor, ISBN 3-928243-04-7

References
  1. "Ben van Oosten concerteert in Nieuwe Kerk". Ede Stad (in Dutch). 4 July 2009. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 31 March 2010.
  2. Lelie, Christo (6 July 1992). "Lionel Rogg verkijkt zich op lange nagalm in Haagse Grote Kerk". Trouw (in Dutch). Retrieved 31 March 2010.
  3. Fidom, Hans (19 June 1992). "Twaalf Europese sterren kenmerken orgelseries". Trouw (in Dutch). Retrieved 31 March 2010.
  4. "Upcoming Distinguished Organ Recital offers fans free performance". Southern Illinoisan. 5 September 2006. Retrieved 31 March 2010.
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