Alicia De Keulenaer
violin
My name is Alicia De Keulenaer (February 6, 2010), and I’ve been playing the violin since I was five years old. Since May 2025, I’ve been enjoying playing my violin and bow from the Musical Instrument Fund.
Music has always been my passion. Hearing my sister play the piano at home inspired me to choose an instrument of my own, and I was immediately drawn to the violin. So I started taking lessons at a music academy in Belgium, and then, at the age of eight, I switched to private lessons in Antwerp. In 2023, I moved to the Netherlands and was accepted into the Young Talent program at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where I am now studying under the guidance of my teacher, Kerstin Hoelen.
In recent years, I have participated in various competitions, including the Princess Christina Competition and, this year, the Davina van Wely Prize at the Dutch Violin Competition, where I had the privilege of performing with the fantastic Amatis Trio. In addition to my lessons with Kerstin, I have taken masterclasses with various violinists, including Sonoko Miriam Welde, Liza Ferschtman, and Shunske Sato.
In 2024, I began looking for a new instrument for the first time, and my violin teacher advised me to contact the Musical Instrument Fund. I was able to choose from a wonderful selection of instruments and was fortunate enough to try out a newly built violin by Bas Maas, which I immediately fell in love with. The instrument brings flexibility to my playing and offers a combination of deep resonance and a clear upper register. The bow by Daniël ter Berg complements it perfectly and is versatile across every timbre. With this instrument, I can convey my musical story much more effectively, and for that I am truly grateful.
