The organist, André Knevel, was born in Bussum, The Netherlands. At
a very early age he began to show a lively interest in the organ and
began taking formal piano and organ lessons at the age of 8. Among
others, his teachers were: Dr. J.Van Stokkum, Rutger Van Mazijk, and
Willem Hendrik Zwart. André Knevel gave his first official organ
recital at the age of 19. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed
organist in Hilversum.
In 1975, André Knevel immigrated to Canada, making St. Catharines
his permanent residence. He continued and completed his studies with
Dr. John Tuttle, Associate Professor of the University of Toronto.
Mr. Knevel now maintains a full teaching schedule of organ and piano
at home and in several different Christian schools.
Presently he gives many recitals throughout Canada, USA, South
Africa and Europe. Each summer he goes on his yearly tour of The
Netherlands, where he performs anywhere from 30 to 40 concerts on
many of the magnificent organs of his native country. Recently he
also had the privilege of giving recitals, amongst others, on the
organs of Wittenberg and Torgau, Germany, the region of the famous
reformer, Martin Luther. André has also been invited to give
concerts in the great Cathedrals of Bucharest and Timisoara, in
Romania.
As well, André Knevel is the regular accompanist of several mixed
and male choirs, and often guest organist for other choirs and
musical events. As a sensitive accompanist for solo instruments such
as flute, panflute, violin, harp and piano. He also works on a
regular basis with the talented panflutist, Liselotte Rokyta. André
Knevel has delighted audiences far and wide. Numerous CD recordings
have been made of solo organ or combined with the above mentioned
choirs and instruments. He is an accomplished player of major organ
works and a master improviser. In this way he seeks to share his
love and talent for music with the audience but above all, desires
it to be to the greater glory of God.