Leon Jadin

Leon Jadin was born on 15 June 1878 in Nivelles (Belgium). He studied at the Brussels Conservatory under Alphonse Mailly and in 1901 was awarded a first prize in organ with highest distinction. Already in 1899 Jadin had been appointed organist of the Collegiate Church of Saint Waltrude in Mons, a position he held until 1928. In 1903 he was among the candidates to succeed Mailly as professor of organ at the Brussels Conservatory, although the position was eventually given to Alphonse Desmet.
Jadin became an active figure in the musical life of Mons, appearing not only as an organist but also as pianist, conductor and composer. He conducted a concert at the Théâtre de Mons devoted to his own choral and orchestral compositions, including the cantata “Geneviève de Brabant” for soloists, mixed choir and large orchestra. His Sonata for violin and piano, completed around 1912, was performed in 1913 by the violinist Mlle Cholet with Jadin himself at the piano.
Little information has so far been found about Jadin's activities after his retirement from the Collegiate Church in 1928. He nevertheless continued to compose into old age, as demonstrated by a Sonatine for four cellos dated 1950.

Leon Jadin died in 1967.

In my possession are the autograph parts of the "Sonatine pour 4 violoncelles" by Leon Jadin. The part for the first cello has also an autograph inscription by the composer to the cellist Georges Turc and is dated 16 December 1950.