The week began for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium with one of the most highly anticipated events on the country’s cultural calendar: the opening night of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium.
The Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels hosted the evening, which carries a dual significance this year as it commemorates its 75th anniversary and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the birth of the King’s great-grandmother, who was an accomplished violinist. This deeply symbolic event directly connects the northwestern European nation to Spain and to the Queen’s own past.
Her Background as a Psychologist
The King and Queen presided over the first recital, which Queen Mathilde described as the “Champions League of classical music.” It is truly one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world. Initially dedicated to the violin and piano, the competition added the cello in 2017. Speaking with Radio Télévision Belge Francophone, the Queen emphasized her desire to promote music, noting that “we are a link in the chain,” and explained that “for our family, the musical education of young people is very important.”
The Queen shared that she puts herself in the contestants’ shoes, viewing the high-stakes competition as “a source of incredible stress.” She added, “I can feel the tension they must experience in front of the audience as they discover this mandatory piece, and as a psychologist, I feel an enormous amount of compassion for them at that moment.”
© Geert Vanden WijngaertBefore meeting her future husband during a gala at Beloeil Castle, Queen Mathilde studied psychology at the University of Leuven and specialized in speech therapy.
The Connection to Spain
The event also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pablo Casals, one of the most influential cellists of the 20th century. Born in Barcelona, Casals was a close friend of Belgium’s Queen Elisabeth. The competition’s winner earns the privilege of using the unforgettable musician’s favorite cello for a two-year period, which can be extended to four. Casals played this instrument for 60 years. “My cello is my best friend, my dearest friend; I even love its strings, which sound best right when they are about to break,” he used to say.
The Pau Casals Foundation has loaned the cello, which was built in 1733 by the Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller. The top plate is crafted from four pieces of pine with irregular grain rings at the center. The back features two pieces of maple with broad, irregular flames, finished in a Venetian red varnish over a golden base. The instrument measures 75.10 cm in length, with an upper bout width of 37.70 cm and a lower bout width of 44.40 cm. It appears that the outer edges were trimmed down over time to make it easier to play.
© Geert Vanden WijngaertThe Blue Look Linking Queen Mathilde to Hollywood
The outfit the Queen chose connects her directly to Kate Middleton, as she opted for the Princess of Wales’s favorite label. Queen Mathilde stunned in a blue Jenny Packham gown, specifically the Electrica model, which retails for 3,810 euros and projects equal parts serenity, strength, and sophistication.
The boatneck neckline offers a classic, refined feel, while the three-quarter-length flared sleeves add a sculptural, modern touch. Beaded embroidery at the waist and cuffs acts almost as built-in jewelry, delicately accentuating her silhouette. Falling all the way to the floor with impeccable drape, the dress radiates a serene, timeless elegance.
© Geert Vanden WijngaertThis is not the first time the Belgian Queen has chosen the British designer, who has spent nearly four decades dressing royalty and global stars alike. Beyond the wife of the heir to the British throne, who is a regular client, Packham’s designs have been worn by Queen Mary of Denmark, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Charlène of Monaco, Kate Winslet, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, and Dita Von Teese.
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