Starting this academic year, outstanding students at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp can count on an extra boost. Thanks to the generous bequests of Denise Hersée, Simonne Papon-Schellens and the Staes-Joossens couple, three incentive prizes will be awarded each year. The prizes are worth up to €10,000 and offer students the opportunity to further invest in their artistic development.
First award ceremony: three students honoured
The first winners have now been announced. Pianist Jonathan Ide receives the prestigious Denise Hersée Prize worth €10,000. Violinist Amane Teraoka receives the Staes-Joossens Prize (€1,500), and David Weel, a student of Media, writing and performance art, receives the Simonne Papon-Schellens Prize (€350). The prizes are awarded directly to the students, without conditions. They decide for themselves how to spend the money: from recordings and instruments to international internships or further studies.
Jonathan Ide:
‘I was completely surprised, but so happy. It feels like a reward for my hard work, a recognition that I am on the right track. I would like to make recordings, take masterclasses or perhaps do an internship abroad. That is now a real possibility.’
More than a cash prize
For Piet Menu, the significance of these prizes goes beyond the financial benefit:
‘It is recognition of the importance of art and art education. An investment in the future of music and the performing arts that motivates students to get the best out of themselves.’
About the prizes
- The Denise Hersée Prize: exceptional recognition for young Belgian talent
Can be awarded up to three times to Belgian students in their second year of a bachelor's degree in piano, violin or clarinet. Anyone who achieves at least 80% in the instrument exam receives €10,000. If there are several candidates, the winner is the one with the highest result; in the event of a tie, the amount is shared. - The Staes-Joossens Prize: award for outstanding violinist
For the master's student in violin with the highest mark in the final violin exam. In the event of a tie, several students will each receive €1,500. - The Simonne Papon-Schellens Prize: tribute to linguistic talent
For a drama student who excels in recitation and media, writing and performance art. The winner with the highest score will receive €350.
A warm appeal
Although the donors did not contact the Conservatoire in advance, research has shown that Denise Hersée was associated with the institution as a piano accompanist in the 1960s. We know little else, so we hope that there are people who can tell us more. We also hope that their example will inspire others. After all, financial support can make all the difference to a young artist.
Want to know more?
Anyone interested in contributing to the future of young artists through a donation or bequest can contact Jens Vermeiren at jens.vermeiren@ap.be.
Photo: winner Jonathan Ide by Norbert Braun