Wybe Kooijmans has been the regular repetiteur and accompanist of the Nederlandse Händelvereniging for more than 25 years.
At the age of eight, he received his first piano lessons from organist Rutger van Mazijk. Later, he studied organ with Bernard Bartelink at the Sweelinck Conservatorium, attended masterclasses by Jean Guillou, and received valuable guidance from a former assistant to organist Feike Asma.
He is chief organist of the Grote Kerk Naarden and has made several CD recordings on the church’s monumental Witte organ. He has published a number of chorale arrangements for organ and edited chorale arrangements by Feike Asma. In 2019, he released a CD featuring the versatile Steinmeyer organ of the Dome Church in Bussum. In addition, he regularly performs concerts both in the Netherlands and abroad.
In 2014 and 2015, he contributed to the television programmes Messiah Masterclass, Verborgen Verleden (Hidden Past), and Push the Red Button.
The Holland Symfonie Orkest is a renowned orchestra in the Netherlands, known for its versatile and vibrant performances. With a rich history spanning more than a century, the orchestra offers a broad repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions. The Holland Symphony Orchestra regularly performs at prestigious venues and collaborates with talented soloists and conductors, making it an important presence in the Dutch musical landscape. The orchestra is dedicated to sharing the beauty and emotion of symphonic music with a wide audience.
In addition to its impressive repertoire, the Holland Symfonie Orkest places a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The orchestra regularly organises workshops, masterclasses, and educational concerts for both young people and adults. These initiatives aim to foster a love of music and inspire new generations. Through its commitment to the community and music education, the Holland Symphony Orchestra contributes to the development of a vibrant and diverse musical culture in the Netherlands.
Maarten Koningsberger is a versatile Dutch baritone, renowned for his warm voice and expressive interpretations. His broad repertoire ranges from Baroque to contemporary music, and he regularly performs in both operas and concert programmes.
Koningsberger collaborates with leading conductors and ensembles worldwide and is also active as a vocal teacher. His performances are praised for their musicality and deep emotional resonance.
In preparation for the 75th anniversary concert of the Nederlandse Händelvereniging, Maarten Koningsberger gave a series of vocal coaching sessions to the choir, with particular emphasis on energetic breathing, diction, and expression.