Ewald Kooiman was a Dutch organist and harpsichordist who was born on June 2, 1938, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Kooiman showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the organ and studied with renowned organists such as Piet Kee and Gustav Leonhardt. Kooiman's talent as an organist was recognized early on, and he won several prizes in national and international competitions. In 1960, he won the first prize at the International Organ Competition in Haarlem, Netherlands, which was a major achievement for a young musician. This win launched his career as a soloist and he began performing in concerts throughout Europe and the United States. Kooiman was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to interpret a wide range of music from different periods. He was particularly interested in the music of the Baroque era and was a specialist in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kooiman was also an accomplished harpsichordist and often performed on both instruments in the same concert. One of Kooiman's most notable performances was his 1979 recording of Bach's complete organ works, which was released on the Dutch label, Erasmus. This recording was a major achievement and established Kooiman as one of the leading interpreters of Bach's music. The recording was praised for its technical brilliance and its sensitive interpretation of the music. Kooiman continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his reputation as a musician continued to grow. He was invited to perform at major festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to his performing career, Kooiman was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He taught at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and was a visiting professor at several universities in the United States. Kooiman was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others. Kooiman's career was cut short by his untimely death in 2009 at the age of 71. He had been scheduled to perform at a festival in Germany, but was forced to cancel due to illness. Kooiman died a few days later in his home in Amsterdam. Kooiman's legacy as a musician and teacher continues to inspire new generations of musicians. His recordings and performances are still admired for their technical brilliance and their sensitive interpretation of the music. Kooiman's dedication to his craft and his generosity towards others have made him a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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