Violinist donates 300-year-old Stradivarius to Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel

American violinist Charles Castleman has donated a Stradivarius violin from 1707 to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, a prestigious training centre for young musicians in Waterloo. The instrument will guide future generations of musicians.

83-year-old Castleman was laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in 1963. He has supported young musical talent, including through the Castleman Quartet Program.

He has now donated his Stradivarius to Myriad, the US arm of the King Baudouin Foundation's international network, but the violin has immediately been given on loan to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

For the next three years, American violinist Miclen LaiPang will play the instrument. He is a former student of Castleman and a member of the Trio Zadig, an associate artist of the Music Chapel. From 2028, the Music Chapel will own the violin, which will be available to its artists in residence.

"This Stradivarius belongs in an institute where the next generations are prepared for their future"

“Passing on musical excellence is central to the Music Chapel's work,” said CEO Grégor Chapelle. “This exceptional violin, dating from the golden period of the famous Italian violin maker and more than 300 years old, has seen generations of musicians come and go. We are immensely grateful to Charles Castleman and honour his decision to support us in continuing Queen Elisabeth's dream.”

“For me, this Stradivarius belongs in an institute where the next generations are prepared for their future and where the level is appropriate for this instrument,” Castleman said. “The Music Chapel is in line with my wishes and close to my heart.”

Golden period

The violin was made during Antonio Stradivari's “golden period” and instruments from those years are the most valued. The instrument is in excellent condition. Its value has not been disclosed.

Stradivarius instruments have a long pedigree and also often a name referring to a former owner. This violin was previously called Marquis de Champeaux and is now known as the Charles Castleman Stradivarius. Castleman owned the violin since 1983.

^{A Stradivarius violin © BELGA PHOTO ALBUM ARCHIVO}