In the heart of Antwerp, a fascinating story of craftsmanship and musical heritage unfolds. The Vleeshuis Museum, currently closed for renovation, has commissioned Ghent violin maker Maarten De Keukeleire with a special task: creating a contemporary Antwerp violin, inspired by a historic 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 bell ringer 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 mission: 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 demonstrates that this tradition is very much alive.
The Vleeshuis Museum: Guardian of Musical Heritage
Although the Vleeshuis Museum currently keeps its doors closed for a thorough renovation, it remains active in promoting and preserving Antwerp's rich musical history. This violin-making project is a beautiful example of how the museum, even during renovation, continues to contribute to the living tradition of musical instrument building.
Antwerp violin making: An underappreciated heritage
Although often overshadowed by the fame of Italian masters like 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 shine a spotlight on Antwerp's contribution to the world of violin making.
The reveal: A musical premiere in 2025
The highlight of this project is planned for 2025, with the Vleeshuis Museum itself expected to reopen its doors 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 promises to be an unforgettable moment.
Maarten De Keukeleire: A young master of an ancient craft
Born in 1994, Maarten De Keukeleire is an emerging talent in the world of violin making. After graduating from KASK in Ghent in 2018, he has refined his own building methods and consistently uses historical building techniques. De Keukeleire's dedication to his craft is evident from his impressive track record:
- Apprenticeship with renowned German maker Ulrich Hinsberger
- Participation in masterclasses led by experts such as Francois Denis and Thomas Bertrand
- Invitation to the prestigious Oberlin workshop in the United States
- Bronze medal at the Kaminski International Violin Competition 2019
His work has been featured in 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
Beyond his work as a builder, De Keukeleire shares his expertise as an instructor at the International Lutherie School Antwerp (ILSA). This unique training program in the Benelux region 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 breathe new life into 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, the music in Antwerp continues to resound.
