The violin from 1707 will be loaned to Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel associate artist Miclen LaiPang until the end of 2027
Charles Castleman has announced the donation of his 1707 ’Castleman, ex-Marquis de Champeaux’ Stradivari violin to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium.
Castleman is a laureate of the 1963 Queen Elisabeth Competition for violin and has built his career as a performer and teacher in the US and abroad. Now 83, he continues his commitment to young musical talent, including through the Castleman Quartet Program, held every summer for the past 50 years.
Castleman expressed his support for young musicians through the donation: ’As a violinist, my job is to bring music to people. I also want to pass on music to future generations through my students.
’For me, this Stradivarius therefore belongs in an institution where the next generations are preparing for their future and where the level is fitting for this instrument. The Music Chapel is in line with my wishes and close to my heart.’
Miclen LaiPang, an associate artist at the Music Chapel and former student of Castleman, will play on the Stradivari violin until the end of 2027. From 2028 onwards, the instrument will be made available to Artists in residence at the Music Chapel.
The donation was facilitated by Myriad USA, part of the King Baudouin Foundation international alliance for cross-border donations. Myriad USA created the Myriad ART programme, specially designed to support American donors wishing to donate works of art abroad.
All photos courtesy Virginie Nguyen
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