Marcel Verheggen was born in Maastricht in 1961 and studied organ and music theory at Maastricht Conservatorium, where his tutors included Willem Kersters (theory), Jean Wolfs (organ) and Jan Raas (organ). After gaining the performing diploma with distinction, he followed courses in the Netherlands and abroad with tutors including Luigi-Ferdinando Tagliavini, Daniel Roth and Montserrat Torrent. Furthermore, he continued his organ studies with Guy Bovet in Switzerland.
Marcel Verheggen is currently organist of the St. Servaas Basilica in Maastricht. In addition to his duties as a church musician, he gives many concerts in the Netherlands and abroad and makes radio recordings for various broadcasting networks. His CD recordings include ‘Organs in the Alsace’, ‘100 years of organ builder Verschueren’, ‘Historic organs in Limburg’, ‘Main organ and organ in the choir of St. Servaas Basilica Maastricht’, ‘Adieu Jean Wolfs’, ‘Musica Servatii’, and ‘Organ Antiqua Bohemica’, etc.). His repertoire includes works ranging from early Renaissance music to contemporary works. He has received various prizes both for interpretation and improvisation at international organ competitions.
Marcel Verheggen is tutor for organ at Hogeschool Thorn and the Maastricht Conservatorium, and gives masterclasses at home and abroad. In addition, he is an advisor to the Organ Council of the Catholic Church, where he is involved in both new organ and restoration projects. He is also a member of the Dutch Organ Advisors Council, and of the national academy of organ advisors where he together with Peter van Dijk participates in the board of examiners.
Furthermore, he is editor of the 12-part collection “The Historic Organ in the Netherlands” and is artistic director of the Maastricht organ series “Pro Organo”.