{"id":10315,"date":"2025-11-10T21:45:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T21:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.servais-vzw.org\/?page_id=10315"},"modified":"2025-11-10T21:50:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T21:50:59","slug":"biography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.servais-vzw.org\/en\/biography\/","title":{"rendered":"Biography"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Support the publication and the translation of the biography ‘Fran\u00e7ois Servais, the Paganini of the Cello’<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ fade_animation_offset=”45px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n
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Fran\u00e7ois Servais by Gh\u00e9mar Fr\u00e8res, ca. 1862 (c) Servais Collection Halle<\/p><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ fade_animation_offset=”45px”][vc_column_text css=””]Fran\u00e7ois Servais<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Belgian cellist-composer Fran\u00e7ois Servais<\/strong> (1807\u20131866) travelled throughout Europe for 33 years as one of the greatest cello virtuosos of the 19th century. He left a lasting mark on the training of countless cellists worldwide and on the evolution of cello technique. Even today, his compositions are studied and performed across the globe. Servais put the city of Halle and Belgium on the cultural map, and he continues to contribute to the international reputation of his country.<\/p>\n

The Biography<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The biography takes the reader on a journey through the life of this outstanding Belgian virtuoso, with special attention to his performances and concert tours, as well as his many encounters with musicians and other artists. Although the approach is scholarly, the biography is written in an engaging style and is richly illustrated.<\/p>\n

The Author<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Peter Fran\u00e7ois<\/strong> is a historian, musicologist, and amateur cellist who has been studying the life and work of Servais for 23 years.<\/p>\n

Three Languages for Worldwide Dissemination<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The biography is written in Dutch. To ensure international reach, French and English editions are also planned. In this way, we aim to reach musicians, music lovers, academic institutions, libraries, and conservatories all over the world.<\/p>\n

Download the flyer of the project<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ fade_animation_offset=”45px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

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Fran\u00e7ois Servais by Josef Krieh\u00fcber, 1842 (c) Servais Collection Halle<\/p><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

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Servais Statue by Cyprien Godebski, 1869, Grand Market Square in Halle<\/p><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

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Bronze cast of the Servais Statue<\/p><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ fade_animation_offset=”45px”][vc_column_text css=””]Your Support<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Servais Society receives only limited subsidies and works entirely with volunteers.
\nTherefore, additional funds are needed for the translation and publication of the biography.
\nYou can support the project in several ways:<\/p>\n

Through a voluntary donation<\/strong><\/p>\n

By choosing one or more of the following options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCello Solo\u201d \u2013 \u20ac60<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 A thank-you for your support of the project
\n\u2022 1 copy of the biography in Dutch or French<\/p>\n

\u201cDuo\u201d \u2013 \u20ac100<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 1 copy of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 1 person to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure<\/p>\n

\u201cTrio\u201d \u2013 \u20ac250<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 1 copy of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 2 people to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure<\/p>\n

\u201cQuartet\u201d \u2013 \u20ac500<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 1 copy of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 2 people to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure
\n\u2022 A \u20ac60 voucher to spend at the sales stand organized by the Servais Society during concerts and other events<\/p>\n

\u201cQuintet\u201d \u2013 \u20ac1,000<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 2 copies of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 2 people to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure
\n\u2022 A \u20ac60 voucher to spend at the sales stand organized by the Servais Society during concerts and other events
\n\u2022 A white resin cast of the Servais statue (height 25 cm)<\/p>\n

\u201cChamber Orchestra\u201d \u2013 \u20ac2,500<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 2 copies of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 2 people to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure
\n\u2022 A \u20ac60 voucher to spend at the sales stand organized by the Servais Society during concerts and other events
\n\u2022 A bronze cast of the Servais statue (height 25 cm)<\/p>\n

\u201cSymphony Orchestra\u201d \u2013 \u20ac3,500<\/strong>
\nAs a token of our gratitude, you will receive:
\n\u2022 2 copies of the biography in Dutch or French
\n\u2022 An invitation for 2 people to the official book launch with reception
\n\u2022 Your name mentioned in a commemorative brochure
\n\u2022 A \u20ac60 voucher to spend at the sales stand organized by the Servais Society during concerts and other events
\n\u2022 A bronze cast of the Servais statue (height 25 cm)
\n\u2022 A complimentary overnight stay with breakfast for 2 persons at Villa Servais or<\/strong> free use of the concert hall
\n\u2022 2 complimentary tickets for the Servais Concert featuring the winner of the 2026 Queen Elisabeth Cello Competition, in November 2026 in Halle<\/p>\n

Registration can be done via the form below.
\nYou will then automatically receive an email with payment details.<\/p>\n

Form\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n