Born on 8 May 1866, in
Antwerp, van Hoof was a pupil of
Paul Gilson and was heavily influenced by the works of
Peter Benoit. His dedication to the Flemish cause led him to collaborate with the German occupiers in World War I, for which he was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison. He studied at the
Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, of which he was the director from 1942 to 1944. In 1933, he founded the (Vlaams Nationaal Zangfeest) where he worked as a conductor for many years. He also conducted concerts associated with the
Flemish Movement. He died in
Antwerp on 24 April 1959, aged 72. He composed
chamber music,
symphonic works,
art songs, works for solo
piano,
carillon,
organ, as well as
sacred music. He is particularly known for writing the Flemish patriotic song "Groeninge" to a text by
Guido Gezelle. ==Works (Selection)==