The Cello in the Spotlight at the Queen Elisabeth Competition

Following an exceptional Piano edition in 2025, the cello takes center stage in 2026 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. This edition also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elisabeth and Pablo Casals, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century.

After a preliminary selection held behind closed doors earlier this year—during which 185 candidates submitted video recordings of their performances—64 young cellists under the age of 30 were selected.

The selected candidates are now beginning the public rounds at Flagey and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, where they face the challenge of performing before a distinguished international jury.

Throughout the Competition, the young musicians perform a varied repertoire spanning different musical periods and styles. They are also required to present their own interpretation of two compulsory contemporary works specially composed for the Competition. One of these forms part of the semi-final recital program. The other—an orchestral work—must be prepared without external assistance during a one-week stay at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in preparation for the final.

The First Prize winner of the Competition will be entrusted, for a period of four years, with the very rare Goffriller cello known as the “Casals”.