On Sunday May 22, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. our dear brother in Gregorian chant passed away just two weeks after our last project – the recording of the Office of St. Gengulphus in Malay in Southern Burgundy – was completed. Michiel – in addition to singing with Hartkeriana – was also a member of the Schola Cantorum Amsterdam since 2004.

Michiel was Senior University Lecturer in Classics at the University of Tilburg School of Catholic Theology in the Netherlands. He earned his doctorate at l’Université de Paris-Sorbonne in 2007.

Michiel celebrated his 60th birthday in December 2021. Michiel knew then that his days were numbered.

Michiel is survived by his wife Esther to whom our sincere condolences are extended.

Michiel participated fully in the recording week from April 30 to May 8: enjoying the music, the company of friends, our copious evening meals during that week, Burgundy wines, visits to Beaune and Cluny.

Michiel was our ‘go-to man‘ for all our Latin translation problems. He solved them all.

Michiel, in a correspondence just weeks before his death: “My life has always been in good hands, as I feel it – a somewhat naive and inarticulate confidence that has always accompanied me. And will continue to do so.”

May Michiel rest, in that inner confidence, in eternal peace.

The St. Gengulphus project will be dedicated to his memory.