Charles Castleman Donates Stradivarius Violin to Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel

Miclen LaiPang is the inaugural recipient of the 1707 “Castleman, ex-Marquis de Champeaux” Stradivarius

The 83-year-old American violinist Charles Castleman has donated his 1707 “Castleman, ex-Marquis de Champeaux” Stradivarius violin to Myriad USA, the American branch of the King Baudouin Foundation’s international network. The donation will help to ensure that talented young players can access instruments of the highest quality.

The violin has been immediately loaned to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, and its first recipient will be Music Chapel Associate Artist Miclen LaiPang. A former student of Castleman, LaiPang is the violinist of Trio Zadig. He will use the violin until the end of 2027, at which point it will become available to the Music Chapel’s Artists in Residence.

The instrument was made during Stradivari's coveted "golden period," from about 1700 to 1725 — with instruments from this time ranking among the maker's best.

A medalist at the Tchaikovsky and Brussels competitions, Charles Castleman has appeared as a soloist with the orchestras of Philadelphia, Boston, Brisbane, Chicago, Hong Kong, Moscow, Mexico City, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, and Shanghai.

For the last half-century, he has been running the Castleman Quartet Program, an intensive seven-week summer institute that allows players to learn "from scratch" and perform one concerto movement, two contrasting Bach movements, two string quartets, and a sonata.

"As a violinist, my job is to bring music to people," Castleman said. "This Stradivarius belongs in an institution where the next generation of musicians is preparing for their future, and the Music Chapel aligns perfectly with that mission."

"The ‘Charles Castleman’ Stradivarius teaches us a different relationship with time, people, and life," said Grégor Chapelle, the CEO of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel. "We are deeply grateful to Charles Castleman for supporting the fulfillment of Queen Elisabeth’s vision."

"Generosity comes from the heart, but it’s important to structure a gift in a way that makes sense legally and fiscally," said Jean Paul Warmoes, CEO of Myriad USA. "We are thrilled to have played a role in making Charles Castleman’s vision a reality."

(PC: Virginie Nguyen)