US violinist Charles Castleman donates his Stradivari to Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel

US violinist Charles Castleman has donated his 1707 "Castleman, ex-Marquis de Champeaux" Stradivari violin to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium. A laureate of the 1963 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Castleman has had a distinguished career as a performer and teacher, including founding the Castleman Quartet Program, which has nurtured young talent for over 50 years.

Castleman, 83, emphasized his commitment to supporting future generations: "This Stradivarius belongs in an institution where the next generations are preparing for their future." The violin will be loaned to Music Chapel associate artist Miclen LaiPang, a former student of Castleman, until the end of 2027. From 2028, it will be available to Artists in Residence at the Music Chapel.

The donation was facilitated by Myriad USA, part of the King Baudouin Foundation's international alliance for cross-border art donations.