The Dutch organist, Matthias Havinga, studied organ at the Amsterdam Conservatory with Jacques van Oortmerssen, acquiring his Master of Music degree summa cum laude in 2008. In addition he was trained as a professional pianist at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and as church musician at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Matthias was awarded several prizes at international organ competitions, including the first prize at the Kotka International Organ Competition 2009, subsequently performing solo recitals at prestigious venues across Europe.
Matthias Havinga is active as a continuo player in combination with various choirs and orchestras, amongst which was the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He is frequently asked in orchestral and chamber music projects and performed as a soloist at renowned venues like the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the Haarlem Philharmonie. With recorder player Hester Groenleer he established a duo, creating challenging programmes for the combination of the two instruments.
At present Matthias Havinga is appointed Director of Music at the Lutheran Augustanakerk in Amsterdam and organist of the 1830 Bätz-organ at the Ronde Lutherse kerk, Amsterdam. He teaches the piano at the Amsterdam Music School.
Matthias Havinga recorded two CD’s with Brilliant Classics, which will be released in 2011. |