Ton Koopman on his 80th birthday
A humble master of early music
October 1st, 2024 by BR-KLASSIK
On the occasion of his 80th birthday on October 2nd, conductor, organist and harpsichordist Ton Koopman will provide insights into his eventful life and his passionate relationship with music. And he reflects on his career and the challenges of our time.
“I feel like I’m 50 or 55,” says Koopman with a smile in the BR KLASSIK program “My Music.” For him, age is not a priority: “I’m not at all concerned with getting old.” The conductor looks back on more than four decades in the music world, a time that has brought him both fulfillment and challenges. No wonder – Koopman has recorded more than 400 CDs and LPs over the last four decades.
Dad was a jazz drummer
Koopman, born on October 2, 1944 in Zwolle, Netherlands, grew up in a musical environment. His father, a jazz drummer, influenced his love of music in his childhood. He began playing the organ at just ten years old and quickly developed a fascination for the harpsichord. He emphasizes how important personal feeling is for music. “Every note is a part of me,” he says, expressing that his music is more than just technical perfection.
Radio broadcasts for Ton Koopman’s 80th birthday
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – The morning with Ton Koopmann
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, 6:05 p.m. – Classical stars with Ton Koopman
Saturday, October 5, 2024, 11:05 a.m. – Ton Koopman as a guest in “My Music”
Ton Koopmans Weg as Conductor
But he doesn’t just play the harpsichord, he is also a conductor – a career as a conductor that came about quite by chance: “I never had a lesson and started gradually.” His first important moment came when he was supposed to take over the direction of the St. Matthew Passion for the ill Nikolaus Harnoncourt at short notice. “I thought, I can’t actually conduct at all. I can play continuo, I can conduct it from the piano.” This modesty reflects the passion he feels for early music and which still drives him today.
I thought, I can’t actually conduct at all.
Ton Koopman
Not a day without Bach
TO THE ARTICLE
Ton Koopman in an interview about Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
Ton Koopman as teacher and mentor
In recent years, Koopman has worked not only as a musician, but also as a teacher and mentor. He is known for offering a platform to amateurs and young talents from all over the world. An example of this is the Bach Festival in Leipzig, where he brings together hundreds of singers and musicians to make music together. “Love can be seen in everyone’s eyes. When it’s over, everyone is happy and happy,” he explains with shining eyes. In these moments, when he performs in St. Thomas Church with people from different countries, his passion for Bach and the universal language of music becomes clear.
Founder of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir
The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, which Ton Koopman founded in 1979, stands for its distinctive sound and attention to detail. With the ensemble, which has also included a choir since 1992, he has made numerous, often award-winning recordings, including the complete cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. Koopman attaches great importance to historical performance practice without losing sight of the liveliness of the music. Through this mix, the orchestra has taken on a special position in the world of early music and continues to shape the international music world today.
Even when we use historical instruments, it should never sound academic. It’s about bringing the emotions and soul of the music closer to the listeners.
Ton Koopman
The tireless tone of Koopman – even at 80
With his 80th birthday, Koopman is not only at a milestone in his life, but also at the pinnacle of his work. He remains tireless in exploring new avenues and presenting the music of Bach and other composers in a fresh light.
Broadcast: “Allegro” on October 2, 2024 from 6:05 a.m. on BR-KLASSIK
