February 7 - Gerwin van der Plaats in concert!

About Gerwin

Gerwin as organist

Gerwin van der Plaats (1977) was deeply impressed by the most versatile instrument—the church organ—at a young age during regular church attendance. His father taught him the basics of music notation at a very early age, though Gerwin’s attention was sometimes diverted by other “toys,” such as electric trains. However, this divided attention did not slow down his musical development. At the age of 9, Gerwin was already accompanying church services at the Gereformeerde Kerk (Reformed Church) in Nieuwegein, with an official appointment to play the two-manual organ of the Dorpskerk in Jutphaas.

Gerwin’s talents were further developed under the guidance of Jaap Zwart Sr. and Herman van Vliet. Later, he studied with Harry Hamer and Geert Bierling, took music theory courses, choir conducting lessons, and piano lessons with Loes Egberts and Herman Riphagen. At the Fontys Conservatory in Tilburg, his teachers included Geert Bierling for organ and Henco de Berg for improvisation. Since August 2023, Gerwin, along with his colleague Marco den Toom, has been appointed as the titular organist of the Bovenkerk Foundation in Kampen, which is dedicated to the preservation of the Bovenkerk and its famous organs. He also plays every Wednesday morning at 08:30 during the weekly morning (city) prayer in this church. In addition, he serves as the resident organist at the Driestwegkerk (PKN) in Nunspeet, the Zuiderkerk (NGK) in Zwolle, and the Hoeksteen (PKN) in IJsselmuiden.

Gerwin as choir director, recording guy and more!

As a versatile musician, Gerwin van der Plaats performs and conducts repertoire that spans many styles, from Bach to the most contemporary (sacred) music of the twentieth century. His musical approach is characterized by spontaneity, dedication, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm. As an organist, he strives to present himself as diversely as possible, with a broad repertoire and a bold approach. He aims to keep his choir members curious, instill in them the desire to continually improve, and encourage them to give their all as if their lives depended on it.

Since 2005, in addition to instrumental music, he has been active as a conductor of choirs. He is currently the conductor of the Interchurch Choir 'Immanuël' in Harskamp, the Interchurch Men's Choir 'Euterpe' in Voorthuizen, the Kamper Kleinkoor 'Musica Religiosa,' and, as the successor to the highly admired Klaas Jan Mulder, the Christian Kamper Men's Choir 'Door Eendracht Verbonden.' He is also the conductor of the Urk Men's Quartet. Through an extensive concert practice, these choirs have contributed to various CD and TV recordings with a wide-ranging repertoire.

Gerwin is active as an accompanist for choirs, ensembles, and orchestras, and he gives organ concerts both in the Netherlands and abroad. He has also participated in various television, radio, and CD recordings.

In 2020, he founded his company GA-studioworks, which specializes in audio and video productions, as well as livestreaming. For Family7, he produces the weekly program 'Kom zing mee' with congregational singing of beloved hymns conducted by Jan Quintus Zwart from the Bovenkerk in Kampen. He also produces a biweekly online concert for the Organ Museum in Elburg.