Louis Leerink – Pianist, Educator and Author
Born in the Netherlands into a musical family, Louis Leerink’s passion for music blossomed at an early age. At 15, he was accepted into the Amsterdam University of the Arts, later graduating from the renowned Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam. During his studies, Louis had the privilege of learning from esteemed pianists including Frédéric Meinders, Danièle Dechenne, Willem Brons, Vitaly Margulis and Boris Bekhterev. Through this, he delved deeply into the intricacies of German, French, and Russian piano techniques, studying the distinctive nuances of each style.
After completing his studies, Louis established himself in Japan, where he became a prominent figure in the Asian classical music scene. Over the years, he has performed extensively across Japan and other parts of Asia, captivating audiences with his solo recitals, orchestral performances, and chamber music collaborations, often alongside his Japanese wife in duo concerts.
His artistry has led to invitations to perform before the Japanese Imperial Family, performances with major orchestras, and he has frequently appeared as a guest on various Japanese television and radio programs.
In addition to his extensive catalog of classical recordings, Louis made a remarkable contribution to the world of video game music. He was invited to record all 14 tracks of the beloved game ‘Final Fantasy IX’, resulting in the widely acclaimed CD ‘Piano Collections IX/Final Fantasy’, which became a global sensation, selling tens of thousands of copies.
Louis is also a prolific writer, having contributed numerous articles to esteemed music magazines and newspapers, as well as co-authoring books on music. His dedication to education has seen him teach at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music and give masterclasses across Japan, where his students have consistently earned recognition in national and international competitions. He has also served as a juror in numerous prestigious piano competitions worldwide.
Now based between the Netherlands and Japan, Louis continues to inspire through his online teaching platform, attracting students and professionals from around the globe. With his unique blend of experience, artistry, and commitment to music, Louis Leerink remains a highly respected figure in both the classical and contemporary music spheres.
CD “‘Harmonies du soir”