LÉON BERBEN
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Whether as organist or harpsichordist, Léon Berben can be considered a master in his field. His extensive knowledge of music history and historical performance practice make him one of the leading figures within his generation of the early music world. His repertoire embraces keyboard music from 1550 to 1790. He is the co-author of various articles in Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart. His interpretations are given special weight by intensive study of the sources, and constant research work, and his solo recordings on historic instruments have received great critical acclaim, winning several awards including the Diapason d’Or, the Choc du Monde de la Musique, as well as the Quarterly German Record Critics’ Award. Léon Berben gained his solo diploma in organ and harpsichord in Amsterdam and The Hague, studying with Gustav Leonhardt (whose last student he was), Rienk Jiskoot, Ton Koopman and Tini Mathot. He was the harpsichordist for Musica Antiqua Köln (Reinhard Goebel) from 2000, with whom

he performed throughout Europe, Asia and North and South America, and recorded many CDs with Deutsche Grammophon/Archiv Produktion. Since the dissolution of the ensemble in 2006, he has pursued a solo career, appearing regularly in the most prestigious international festivals. Berben is titular-organist of the organ in St. Andreas, Ostönnen which dates from c. 1425/1586/1722. This is one of the oldest playable organs in the world (perhaps even the oldest). Also he is senior-organist-in -residence at the Pieterskerk, Leiden (NL) with the van Hagerbeerorgan from 1643.