Thanks to testamentary donations from Denise Hersée, Simonne Papon-Schellens and the couple Staes-Joossens, a minimum of three of the most outstanding students of Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen (AP Hogeschool) can be rewarded annually with prize money ranging from €350 to €10.000. The first recipients of the prize money have already been informed of their assigned prize.
The three prizes
The Denise Hersée Prize: an exceptional recognition for young Belgian talent can be awarded up to three times to Belgian students in the second bachelor year of piano, violin or clarinet. Those who achieve at least 80% on the instrument exam receive €10.000. With multiple candidates, the one with the highest score wins; in case of a tie, the amount is divided.
The Staes-Joossens Prize: recognition for outstanding violinist
For the master student Violin with the highest mark for the violin graduation exam. In case of a tie, multiple students each receive €1.500.
The Simonne Papon-Schellens Prize: tribute to sense of language
For a Drama student who excels in Recitation and Verbal Art. The winner with the highest score receives €350.
The winners of 2024-2025
Denise Hersée Prize (€10.000): Jonathan Ide, Bachelor 2 Piano
Staes-Joossens Prize (€1.500): Amane Teraoka, Master Violin
Simonne Papon-Schellens Prize (€350): David Weel, Master Verbal Art
Jonathan Ide, who wins the Denise Hersée Prize first, is almost speechless: "I was completely surprised, but so happy. It feels like a reward for my hard work, recognition that I'm on the right track. I'm quite ambitious, so my long-term planning doesn't change, but this gives a huge boost." He adds: "I already had plans to look beyond Antwerp. I really want to make recordings, attend masterclasses, maybe do an internship or study abroad. And that's now truly within the realm of possibilities. It's not a testamentary requirement, but for me it's self-evident that I'll use the money for my artistic development."
Directly for the student
The winners are free to use the winnings they receive directly from the estates, though there is hope and a wish that it will benefit their further studies and careers. Conservatory director Piet Menu sees these prizes as more than just prize money: "It is a recognition of the importance of art and art education. An investment in the future of music and performing arts that will motivate all students even more to get the best out of themselves." Regarding the donors, he says: "We were not contacted beforehand by the donors, so unfortunately we know little about their lives and motivations. Of course we are looking into that. We have meanwhile discovered that Denise Hersée was employed as a permanent piano accompanist at Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen in the 1960s. But we are enormously grateful for the confidence these donors place in our work. We will cherish these special encouragement prizes with care and respect."
Inspiration for others
Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen hopes that the generous gesture of Denise Hersée, Simonne Papon-Schellens and the couple Staes-Joossens will inspire others to also contribute to the development of young artistic talent. For many students at the Conservatory, financial support can make the difference between a dream coming true and talent remaining underutilized. "By investing in art and culture, we not only make individual dreams come true, but we also enrich our entire society."
Anyone interested in supporting young artists can contact jens.vermeiren@ap.be for more information about donations or bequests.