The American violinist Charles Castleman and the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth announce the donation of the 1707 Charles Castleman, ex-Marquis de Champeaux Stradivarius to Myriad USA, the American unit of the international network of the King Baudouin Foundation. The instrument will immediately be placed at the disposal of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
This exceptional violin, dating from the golden age of the famous Italian luthier, is over 300 years old and has served generations of musicians. It now joins the Chapelle Musicale and will accompany future generations of talented young musicians.
Charles Castleman, winner of the 1963 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition, has built a career as a violinist and teacher in the United States and abroad. At 83, he continues his commitment to young musical talent, most notably through the Castleman Quartet Program, which he has organized each summer for more than 50 years. Castleman has expressed a desire to use his legacy to support future generations of young violinists.
Violinist Miclen LaiPang, a former student of Castleman and member of the Trio Zadig – Artiste Associé à la Chapelle Musicale – will play on the Charles Castleman Stradivarius until the end of 2027. From 2028, the instrument will be made available to the Artists in Residence of La Chapelle Musicale.
