Kai Krakenberg was born in 1970 in Essen, where he also grew up, and attended school and music college. He studied organ with Heiner Graßt between 1982 and 1992, and served as an extra-official organist in the ninth grade in Essen-Kray, a position he held until 1997. He studied sacred music (organ, piano and conducting) at the Folkwang-College of Music in Essen with Professors Gisbert Schneider and Gerd Zacher, receiving his degree in 1997; he was also Professor Schneider’s assistant. During his studies, Kai Krakenberg took part in many courses both in Germany and abroad, with internationally renowned organists (Northern Germany, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Italy, and USA). He was Director of Music at the Lutheran Garnison Church between 1997 and 2000, and at Bergstadt Church in Hamburg beyween 2000 and 2005. Since April 2005, Kai Krakenburg has been Director of Music, cantor and organist at the city church of St. Mary in Husum (where Nicolaus Bruhns was once the director). In addition, he is the church district music director for the church district and the director of the Church Music School.

Kai has played Bach’s complete organ works over 28 concerts at St. Mary’s, Husum. In addition, his personal interests include the works of the northern German school as well as the great organ works of German, French and Anglo-Saxon/American composers. As an organist, he has performed in almost every European country, in Russia and in Asia, as well as the United States and Canada. Kai has released a number of CDs with American, English, French and Scandinavian composers, including Messiaen's complete La Nativité du Seigneur.