Bert van den Brink is a Dutch jazz and classical pianist, composer, and arranger. He was born on June 28, 1958, in Bennekom, a small village in the Netherlands. Van den Brink grew up in a musical family, and his father was a church organist. He started playing the piano at the age of six and showed a natural talent for music. Van den Brink studied classical piano at the Utrecht Conservatory, where he graduated with honors in 1983. During his studies, he also developed an interest in jazz and started playing in local clubs. He was influenced by jazz pianists such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock. After graduating, Van den Brink started working as a freelance musician, playing both jazz and classical music. He quickly gained a reputation as a versatile and skilled pianist, and he was in demand for both solo performances and collaborations with other musicians. In 1986, Van den Brink won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Piano Competition in Washington D.C. This was a major achievement for him, and it helped to establish his career as a jazz pianist. He also won the Dutch Jazz Competition in 1987 and the Dutch Jazz Award in 1991. Van den Brink has performed with many renowned musicians, both in the Netherlands and internationally. He has played with jazz legends such as Toots Thielemans, Chet Baker, and Lee Konitz, as well as classical musicians such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Janine Jansen. Van den Brink is also a prolific composer and arranger. He has written music for jazz ensembles, classical orchestras, and theater productions. His compositions often blend elements of jazz and classical music, creating a unique and distinctive sound. One of Van den Brink's most notable collaborations was with Dutch singer and songwriter Herman van Veen. The two musicians worked together on several albums and tours, and their partnership lasted for over 25 years. Van den Brink arranged and performed many of van Veen's songs, and their collaboration was highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Van den Brink is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several music schools and conservatories in the Netherlands, and he has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. Van den Brink has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 2007, he was awarded the VPRO/Boy Edgar Prize, the most prestigious jazz award in the Netherlands. He was also awarded the Gouden Notenkraker (Golden Nutcracker) in 2011, a Dutch award for outstanding contributions to the music industry. Van den Brink continues to perform and record music, and he remains a highly respected and influential figure in the Dutch music scene. His unique blend of jazz and classical music has earned him a devoted following, and his contributions to the world of music are widely recognized and celebrated.

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