THE SOUL AND VISIONARY
Magda Calleeuw
Painter - Founder of the CFIPC - Visionary
A Life Dedicated to Art
Magda Calleeuw was the driving force behind the César Franck International Piano Competition ( CFIPC ) and a defining figure in the Belgian cultural landscape . As both a painter and a cultural leader , her life was a vibrant tapestry woven from visual art , music , and a profound dedication to the next generation of artists .
As the founder of the CFIPC , Magda was far more than that ; she was the spiritual heart and soul of the competition . She infused the event with a warmth and artistic integrity that came to define its very character .
Guided by the belief that art should be a shared , living experience , she created a platform where young pianists from around the globe could find not only a stage for their talent , but a home for their creative growth . Through her unwavering resolve and infectious energy , she transformed a personal dream into a prestigious global reality .
Architect of Community
Beyond her personal artistry , Magda was a tireless architect of community and culture . Her leadership spanned from the chairmanship of the Culture Council in Kraainem to the creation of the Cesar Franck International Music Festival and Competition in Kraainem . In every role , she moved with an unwavering willpower that turned ambitious visions into reality .
Whether she was mentoring students at the GC de Lijsterbes or coordinating world-class international juries , her approach was always grounded in a deep respect for the artist’s journey . She understood that the pursuit of excellence required both rigorous discipline and a supportive , nurturing environment - a philosophy that remains the foundational pillar of the CFIPC today .
Though Magda Calleeuw passed away in early 2020 , her legacy remains a vivid and guiding light for all who step onto our stage . She did not merely build a competition ; she fostered a global family of musicians united by the same passion that fueled her own life . To look upon her paintings or to hear the opening notes of a CFIPC recital is to encounter her spirit anew .
THE PAINTER'S STORY
Anecdotes about the Works
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
This intrinsic connection between the brush and the keyboard reached its pinnacle in her celebrated collaboration with her son , the pianist Philippe Raskin . In a landmark project , she created five original paintings to interpret the lost visual inspirations of Mussorgsky’s suite , effectively completing the sensory circle the composer had envisioned over a century ago .
LYRICAL ABSTRACTION
Her canvases were known for their ethereal depth , often reflecting a state of synesthesia where colors seemed to vibrate with the resonance of a musical chord . She sought to capture the "inner space" of human emotion , proving that the boundaries between sight and sound are beautifully porous .
THE ARTIESTENPARCOURS
As Chair of the Culture Council , Magda spearheaded initiatives like the Artiestenparcours to bring art directly into the lives of the public . Her tireless advocacy meant that art was never a static object in a gallery but a living , breathing part of the community in Kraainem and beyond .
The Artistic Vision
