Reitze Smits is a renowned Dutch classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through his exceptional skills as an organist, harpsichordist, and conductor. Born on 22nd May 1956 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, Smits showed a keen interest in music from a young age. He began his musical journey by learning the piano at the age of six and later switched to the organ at the age of twelve. Smits received his formal education in music at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, where he studied under the guidance of renowned organists such as Gustav Leonhardt and Albert de Klerk. He graduated with distinction in 1981 and went on to pursue further studies in musicology at the University of Amsterdam. Smits' career as a professional musician began in 1982 when he was appointed as the organist of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam. He held this position for over a decade and gained a reputation as one of the most talented organists of his generation. During this time, he also performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with renowned artists such as Frans Brüggen, Ton Koopman, and Anner Bylsma. In 1994, Smits was appointed as the artistic director of the International Organ Festival in Haarlem, a position he held for ten years. Under his leadership, the festival grew in stature and became one of the most prestigious events in the world of organ music. Smits also served as the artistic director of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra from 1997 to 2000, where he worked closely with Ton Koopman to promote the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Smits' career as a conductor began in the early 2000s when he was invited to lead the Netherlands Bach Society. He quickly established himself as a skilled conductor and led the society in numerous performances of Bach's cantatas and other works. In 2005, he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Utrecht Baroque Consort, a position he held until 2010. Throughout his career, Smits has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 1991, he was awarded the Sweelinck Prize, the highest honor for a Dutch musician. He has also been awarded the Prix d'Excellence and the Prix d'Interprétation at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges. Smits' discography is extensive and includes over thirty recordings of works by Bach, Buxtehude, Sweelinck, and other composers. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical excellence and musical sensitivity. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Smits is also a respected music educator. He has taught at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where he has mentored numerous young musicians who have gone on to successful careers in music. In conclusion, Reitze Smits is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through his exceptional skills as an organist, harpsichordist, and conductor. His career has been marked by numerous highlights, including his tenure as the artistic director of the International Organ Festival in Haarlem and his work as the principal conductor of the Utrecht Baroque Consort. Smits' legacy as a musician and educator will continue to inspire future generations of musicians for years to come.

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