André van Vliet, the Dutch Flying Eagle concert pianist, died at the age of 56.
Fans of the frequent Flying Eagle performances in Moordrecht will undoubtedly recognise him: pianist André van Vliet. Eelco Slingerland, the organiser of these events, was very saddened by his death today at the age of 56.
“Our connection began in 1993, when André joined the youth choir Rejoice in Rotterdam. During that period, the CD ‘Liefde volle Vader ’ was recorded with several choirs. From that moment on, I came to know him as a passionate musician, an inspirator, and a warm person. Early on, he recognized my passion for organizing and was the one who asked me to join the Organ Committee in Oudewater. In doing so, he helped lay the foundation for my subsequent path as an organizer,” Slingerland recalls.
Van Vliet played piano and organ with a variety of artists during the many concerts held at Moordrecht’s Village Church. Handel’s Largo was sung as an homage to resistance fighter Arie den Toom during the Liberation Concert, which he directed.
Together with JP Teeuw, the new settlement of Cortelande was converted into a musical work that was played during the 9th edition of the Flying Eagle Concert in November 2025.
Eelco Slingerland is very grieved by the loss: “André understood what I wanted to accomplish with the Flying Eagle Concert in Moordrecht.” A concert that would appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, from classical to popular.
This has expanded to an almost sold-out Dorpskerk in Moordrecht by 2025. Every year, the roster of musicians changed, but André remained the central protagonist.
He played either the organ or the grand piano. On November 21, the 10th Flying Eagle performance will be an appropriate tribute to his loss.
