Brussels, Belgium – Sixty-six cellists from around the globe have been selected to compete in the 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition, a prestigious international event that launches May 4th in Flagey, Brussels. The competition, marking both its 75th anniversary and the 150th anniversaries of Queen Elisabeth and cellist Pablo Casals, promises a showcase of exceptional talent and a unique prize for the victor: a four-year loan of the historic Goffriller cello ‘Casals’ as reported by The Strad.
The field of 66 was narrowed from an initial pool of 185 cellists aged between 18 and 30, following a preselection process completed behind closed doors at the end of January 2026. The jury, presided over by Gilles Ledure, includes renowned cellists and educators Natalie Clein, Roel Dieltiens, Valentin Erben, Benjamin Glorieux, Marie Hallynck, Anssi Karttunen, and Jan Vogler, with Marie Hallynck and Anssi Karttunen serving on the jury as well.
The competition unfolds in three distinct rounds. The first round, scheduled from May 4th to May 9th, will require contestants to perform a sonata by Boccherini alongside a choice of works by Nikolai Roslavets (Meditation), Josef Suk (Ballade op. 3), Nadia Boulanger (3 Pièces), or Kaija Saariaho (Lullaby for solo cello). This initial stage aims to assess technical proficiency and musical interpretation.
Following the first round, 24 semi-finalists will advance to perform a recital and a concerto – selecting from compositions by Michael Haydn, Leopold Hofmann, or Anton Kraft – between May 11th and May 16th. This phase delves deeper into the musicians’ artistry and stage presence. The final rounds, taking place from May 25th to May 30th, will see twelve finalists perform both a commissioned work, learned in isolation prior to the competition, and a concerto of their own choosing, culminating in the selection of the competition’s laureate.
A Legacy of Excellence and a Historic Prize
The Queen Elisabeth Competition has a long and storied history of identifying and nurturing exceptional musical talent. This year’s event is particularly significant, coinciding with milestone anniversaries that honor both the competition’s enduring legacy and the contributions of pivotal figures in classical music. The loan of the ‘Casals’ Goffriller cello, previously owned and played by the legendary Pablo Casals, represents a unique and invaluable opportunity for the winning cellist.
The competition offers substantial financial rewards, with the Queen Mathilde Prize awarding €25,000 to the first-place winner. Subsequent prizes include €20,000, €17,000, €12,500, €10,000, and €8,000 for second through sixth place, respectively. Six unranked laureates will each receive a prize of €4,000.
Past Champions and the Cello Competition’s Evolution
This marks the third edition of the cello competition, which first took place in 2017. The inaugural competition was won by French cellist Victor Julien-Laferrière as noted by The Strad, while Hayoung Choi claimed the top prize in 2022 according to The Strad. These past winners exemplify the high caliber of musicianship the competition consistently attracts.
Gilles Ledure, the chairman of the jury, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He currently serves as the general manager of Flagey, a cultural center in Brussels, and has held leadership positions with several prominent orchestras and festivals, including the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg and the Orchestre National de Lille. He is also actively involved in supporting young composers through his founding of Tactus (Young Composers’ Forum).
Looking Ahead
As the competition draws near, anticipation builds within the classical music community. The full list of candidates is available for review on the Queen Elisabeth Competition website here. The coming weeks will see these talented cellists prepare to showcase their skills on the international stage, vying for the coveted title and the opportunity to perform with the ‘Casals’ cello. The next major milestone will be the commencement of the first round on May 4th, marking the official start of this prestigious event.
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