In the heart of Antwerp, a fascinating story of craftsmanship and musical heritage unfolds. The Museum Vleeshuis, currently closed for renovation, has given Ghent violin maker Maarten De Keukeleire a special commission: to create a contemporary Antwerp violin, inspired by a historical masterpiece from their collection.
A bridge between past and present
The inspiration for this ambitious project is a violin from 1792, built by Amandus Amatus Stiennon, an Antwerp musical instrument maker who lived from 1755 to 1835. Stiennon, godchild of carillonneur and violist Joannes De Gruytters, grew up in an environment steeped in music and instrument making. Now, more than two centuries later, De Keukeleire takes up the torch. His commission: to build a new violin that both honors Stiennon's legacy and reflects his own modern vision. This project not only highlights the rich history of Antwerp violin making, but also shows that this tradition is very much alive.
The Vleeshuis Museum: Guardian of musical heritage
Although the Vleeshuis Museum is currently closed for a thorough renovation, it remains active in promoting and preserving Antwerp's rich musical history. This violin-making project is a fine example of how the museum, even during renovation, continues to contribute to the living tradition of musical instrument making.
Antwerp violin making: An underrated heritage
Although often overshadowed by the fame of Italian masters such as Stradivari, the Stiennon violin in the Vleeshuis collection proves that Antwerp has its own tradition of high-quality violin making. This project offers a unique opportunity to put Antwerp's contribution to the world of violin making in the spotlight.
The unveiling: A musical premiere in 2025
The highlight of this project is planned for 2025, the Vleeshuis Museum itself is expected to reopen in 2030. Then not only will the new instrument be unveiled, but the public will also be able to enjoy its first sounds. A musician will bring the violin to life with a specially composed piece of music, which will undoubtedly promise to be an unforgettable moment.
Maarten De Keukeleire: A young master in an old craft
Born in 1994, Maarten De Keukeleire is a rising talent in the world of violin making. After graduating from KASK in Ghent in 2018, he has refined his own building methods and uses increasingly historical building techniques. De Keukeleire's dedication to his craft is evident from his impressive track record:
- Internship with renowned German maker Ulrich Hinsberger
- Participation in masterclasses by experts such as Francois Denis and Thomas Bertrand
- Invitation to the prestigious Oberlin workshop in the US
- Bronze medal at the Kaminski International Violin Competition 2019
His work has been exhibited at exhibitions such as Cuvée Darling in Cologne (2023) and Ekho in Brussels (2024).
A methodical approach
For each instrument he builds, De Keukeleire follows a careful process:
- Selection of the most suitable wood
- Geometric analysis of the instrument to be built
- Choice of the right tools
His recent projects include instruments inspired by masters such as Stradivari and Gennaro.
Knowledge transfer: The future of violin making
In addition to his work as a builder, De Keukeleire shares his expertise as a teacher at the International Lutherie School Antwerp (ILSA). This unique training program in the Benelux ensures that the art of violin making is passed on to the next generation. This project, initiated by the Vleeshuis Museum, promises not only to deliver a beautiful new instrument, but also to revive the rich tradition of Antwerp violin making. It forms a bridge between past and future, where craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand, and shows that even during a renovation, music in Antwerp continues to ring out.