Bert Kruis
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Bert Kruis was born on September 26, 1967, in Schelluinen (near Gorinchem). He was fascinated by the sounds of the organ from an early age because his father was the organist of the Dutch Reformed Church in Schelluinen. Bert began organ lessons at the age of 11 with Frans van Tilburg (1933-2005) through the Alblasserwaard and Vijfheerenlanden Music School. For eight years, Bert Kruis was a regular registrant with Frans van Tilburg (from whom he says he learned a tremendous amount).
After attending the music school, he studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory with André Verwoerd and Folkert Grondsma. Currently, Bert Kruis resides in Noordeloos. He is the organist of the Ontmoetingskerk there and the Reformed Church in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. Additionally, he is a sought-after accompanist for various choirs and has made numerous recordings for radio, television, and CDs. Furthermore, he is the conductor of three mixed choirs in Noordeloos (Ontmoetingskoor), Ridderkerk (Reformed Church Choir), and Rotterdam (The Credo Singers).
In the past, he performed Charles Gounod's Messe Solennelle and John Henry Maunder's Cantata 'Bethlehem' with his choirs. The Marcus Passion by Hans Boelee has also been on the program several times. Additionally, his choirs sing a wide repertoire of psalm, hymn, and song arrangements. Solo CDs of Bert Kruis have been recorded from the Dom in Altenberg (Germany), the Stevenskerk in Nijmegen, and the Lebuïnuskerk in Deventer (for his 25th anniversary as an organist). Furthermore, he and his former teacher, friend, and colleague Frans van Tilburg have recorded multiple CDs with their own chorale arrangements (respectively from the Nieuwe Kerk in Zierikzee and the Domkerk in Utrecht). These were also published as sheet music in the series 'Musica Religiosa' (chorale arrangements for organ). Meanwhile, this series of organ music has proven its worth, and 12 volumes have been released. In addition to organ music, Bert Kruis also writes many choir and instrumental arrangements for various ensembles. His choral music is published by Stencilmuziek in Langerak.
