The Dutch choral conductor, Jan Valkestijn, ordained priest in 1958. In 1963 he studied at Amsterdam Conservatorium, with diploma in music-theory. The same year he was appointed as Director of the Music Institute of the Cathedral Basilica St.Bavo - Haarlem Holland. In 1964 he became professor of Church-music at the Amsterdam Conservatorium.
In 1981 Jan Valkestijn was appointed 'Monsignor' by Pope John Paul II. In 1982 he finished university-studies of Musicology at the University of Amsterdam: 'cum laude'. In 1982 he was appointed Knight of the Order of Oranje Nassau, and in 1995 Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Jan Valkestijn published several works on Music-theory and music-history. He has made numerous tours with the Haarlem Cathedral Choir throughout Europe. He made CD's, broadcasting and TV registrations. |