John van Gurp

It’s been a rough week, and we are exceptionally sad to have lost a dear friend and mentor Matthieu Keijser.

http://sambanova.org

KEIJSER, Matthieu - 53, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2006, in Halifax. A gifted musician, he was a creative and well-known force on the music scene. Matthieu began his career in the Netherlands where he studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory. As a percussionist and musical accompanist, he later toured Europe and the United States. He met the love of his life, Joann Tusia, in New York where he continued his musical studies in Afro-Cuban percussion. Joann and Matthieu moved to Halifax in 1989. For 18 years Matthieu has been a senior accompanist for Halifax Dance. He was the founder of the annual “Drumfest” event and the Brazilian music ensemble “Samba Nova”, and co-founder of the band, “Salsa Picante”. As well, he was the inspiration and co-creator of “Drum!”. Through the Arts-Infusion Program, Matthieu also brought his knowledge of percussion to school children where his passion and originality inspired the hearts and souls of thousands of students and music teachers throughout the province. Most recently, Matthieu delighted Nova Scotians with his vibrant and exciting creation, the Atlantic Jazz Parade, which opened the annual Jazz Festival for a number of years. He brought his talents, spontaneity and love of music to Atlantic Canadians, young and old. To his family and friends, fondest memories will be of his home filled with joyful birthdays and celebrations spent around the piano singing and dancing. Frequently, passersby would stop on the street and listen to the music emanating from his home. The greatest joy in Matthieu’s life was his family. He had respect and boundless love for his children, Jonathan and Zoe, and his wife, Joann. Matthieu is survived by his loving mother, Dini, and his sister, Helene; brother-in-law, Arjan, and nieces Dieuwertje, Willemin and Maaike, who live in Amsterdam. He was predeceased by his father, Meindert. He will be missed by his brother-in-law, Anthony Tusia and wife Kathy, as well as the Leonard-Horn, Wheeldon and Chaisson families and all of his loyal Samba, Halifax Dance and musical colleagues and friends. Matthieu’s inspired, generous and kind nature was loved by many. He will be greatly missed. A memorial will be held Sunday, October 22, at 2 p.m. in St. Matthew’s United Church on Barrington Street.

Donations can be made to the Samba Nova Keijser Children Trust Fund