Homage to Jos Mertens - Matthieu Idmtal

On October 17, the birthday of Jos Mertens, pianist Matthieu Idmtal brings a tribute in 'his' Sint-Egidiuskerk. Jos Mertens was titular organist there for years. Mathieu Idmtal grew into one of the country's most sensitive pianists and is therefore the ideal interpreter to let well-known and lesser-known piano work by Jos Mertens sound and pay tribute to his musical legacy. He alternates the works of Mertens with compositions by Chopin: a composer who was very close to Jos Mertens's heart. The concert is preceded by a short introduction in which the work and life of Mertens are highlighted on the basis of a few anecdotes. Who was Jos Mertens? Jos Mertens (1924-2019) from Groot-Bijgaarden was an organist, pianist and composer. Since 2009, he has been an honorary citizen of Dilbeek: the crowning achievement of a life that was entirely dedicated to music. Mertens wrote numerous works for choir, quartet, songs, string ensemble, organ, piano, ... and one could say that his music sounds like he was: warm, without frills and straight to the heart.