Piet van Egmond

Piet van Egmond (Choral Conductor, Organ)

Born: April 14, 1912 - Amsterdam, Holland
Died: May 11, 1982 - Den Helder, Holland

The Dutch organist and choirmaster, Piet van Egmond, received his first piano and organ lessons from Wouter Westerhoud. He went on to study the organ at the School of Music of the Amsterdam Conservatory under Anton H. Tierie.

At the age of 15 Piet Van Egmond made his first public appearance in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam with an all Bach recital. He continued his musical education at the Amsterdam Conservatory, where he participated in the organ class of Cornelis de Wolf. He obtained the leaving certificate for organ cum laude in 1931 and two years later passed his examinations as a soloist. In the same year he was appointed organist of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. In 1935 he gained the leaving certificate for piano after studying with Nelly Wagenaar.

Piet Van Egmond was famous for his performances of Bach's Matthäus-Passion (BWV 244), which he did from 1936 until 1973, with his Amsterdam Oratorio Choir.