Biography

Gert van Hoef was born on June 17, 1994, in Barneveld. At the age of thirteen, he was inspired to take up the organ by his grandfather. Soon afterwards, he received a digital organ and began exploring the instrument on his own.

In June 2008, Gert began his first organ lessons with Ms. Daamen, organist and choir accompanist in Barneveld.

In 2010, he continued his studies with Evert van de Veen, organist in Voorthuizen, for a period of eighteen months. During this time, his musicality developed rapidly, and he expanded his repertoire both in breadth and depth. Gert was increasingly invited to perform concerts throughout the Netherlands, partly due to the growing popularity of the videos he had been posting on YouTube since the beginning of his musical career.

In June 2010, for his sixteenth birthday, Gert was given the opportunity to perform on the famous Moreau organ of Sint Janskerk and to make a DVD recording there. Around the same time, he was appointed organist of the 'Hervormde Kerk' in Voorthuizen.

From September 2011 onward, Gert studied with Herman van Vliet in Amersfoort in preparation for conservatory studies after completing high school. During this period, he also became the resident organist of the Eminent organ showroom “The Point” in Voorthuizen.

In September 2013, Gert began full-time organ studies with Jos van der Kooy at Royal Conservatoire The Hague.

Alongside his studies, Gert gave numerous concerts throughout the Netherlands, performing at both public and private events such as anniversaries and birthday celebrations.

In 2015, he gave his first international concerts in Stoke-on-Trent and London.

In June 2017, Gert graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance, giving his final recital on the majestic Müller organ of St. Bavo Church. The examination committee awarded him a mark of 8.5 out of 10 in recognition of his performance.

In the summer of 2018, Gert completed his conservatory studies and obtained his final diploma.

Since April 2020, Gert has regularly presented livestream organ concerts on his YouTube channel. An archive of all performed works can be found at gertvanhoef.wiki/livestream_archive.

In 2025  Gert was appointed  organist in the 'Hersteld Hervormde Kerk' in Barneveld.

Competitions

In January 2009, Gert participated in his first competition: the International Classical Music Organ Competition at the Johannus Organ Factory in Ede. He advanced to the finals, held in February 2009 during the Hardenberg Family Days, where he won first prize in his age and repertoire category. In June 2009, a CD recording of the final round was made in St. Maartenskerk. The CD, titled Finale, was later presented during the Duikenburg Days.

In August 2010, Gert won the Feike Asma Competition at the Johannus Organ Factory. The following year, he was awarded second prize in the same competition.

In June 2015, Gert won the Govert van Wijn Organ Competition at the Grote Kerk.

Picture by Corine van de Kamp, © 2026