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Piet Kee was a Dutch classical organist, composer, and music educator who was born on August 30, 1927, in Zaandam, Netherlands. He was the son of a church organist and began playing the organ at a young age. Kee studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory, where he was a student of Albert de Klerk and Anthon van der Horst. He also studied with the famous French organist and composer, Olivier Messiaen, in Paris. Kee's career as a musician began in 1951 when he was appointed as the organist of the Westerkerk in Amsterdam. He held this position for over 40 years until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure, he became known for his innovative and expressive performances, which often included improvisation. He was also a prolific composer, with over 200 works to his name, including organ music, choral works, and chamber music. Kee's reputation as a world-class organist grew throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and he became a sought-after performer both in the Netherlands and abroad. He made numerous recordings, including a highly acclaimed series of Bach's complete organ works for the Chandos label. He also performed at major international festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Festival of Flanders. One of Kee's most significant achievements was his role in the restoration of the famous organ in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam. The organ, which had been built in the 17th century, had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being lost forever. Kee led a campaign to raise funds for its restoration, and in 1984, the organ was finally restored to its former glory. Kee was the first person to play the restored organ, and his performance was widely praised for its beauty and sensitivity. Kee was also a dedicated music educator, and he taught at the Amsterdam Conservatory for over 30 years. He was known for his passionate and inspiring teaching style, and many of his students went on to become successful musicians in their own right. Kee was also a prolific writer, and he published several books on music, including a biography of the Dutch composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. Throughout his career, Kee received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1977, he was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the highest honors in the Netherlands. He was also awarded the Sweelinck Prize in 1986, which is given to outstanding Dutch musicians. In 1994, he was made an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music in London. Kee's legacy as a musician and educator continues to be felt today. His recordings and compositions are still widely admired, and his influence on the world of classical music is undeniable. He passed away on March 25, 2018, at the age of 90, but his music and his passion for the organ continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

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