Raymond Micha: Musical Passion in Belgium

Raymond Micha (1910-2006) was a significant figure in Belgium's musical life. Born to a family of musicians, he received musical training from his father Octave Micha and uncle Eugène Micha, who were both composers. Raymond played piano accompaniments for silent films during the 1920s, when he was a teenager. This developed his talent for improvisation as well as composition. At age 19, he briefly conducted two musical societies in his town of Stavelot, "Les Artisans Réunis" and "L'Émulation." The 1930s saw Micha teaching music at a public school and organizing various musical events, including the first "François Prume" contest in 1939. After the liberation of Belgium in 1944, Raymond Micha played a major role in reviving musical societies that had been shuttered by the Second World War. He also taught music until his retirement in 1970. His students remember him as a remarkably charismatic and motivational teacher. The Stavelot Music Festival, founded by Raymond Micha and others in 1958, continues to thrive. Its rural setting and welcoming atmosphere make it a particularly attractive venue for artists. As a composer, Raymond Micha distinguished himself in various musical genres including instrumental music, sacred music, choral music, and folk music. Although he began composing in the 1920s, most of his compositions date from after 1970, the year marking the end of his teaching duties. Raymond Micha's eldest great-grandson, Julien Delhez, has spent more than two years gathering primary documents including personal letters, notebooks, memories, recorded speeches, and interviews. Julien himself interviewed many people who knew Raymond Micha, including family members, students, friends, children of friends, and musicians who interacted with him. The results are this first biography of Raymond Micha.