Nationaal Cello Concours — First round

The most exciting part of the Cello Biënnale

Following a pre-selection, fifteen talented young cellists are given the opportunity to present themselves to an international jury in three rounds. In the first round, for which entry is free, all fifteen candidates will perform the same pieces. This year’s competition is the first after ten editions not to include a piece by Luigi Boccherini in the first round; instead, there will be a work by the Italian composer and cellist Giovanni Battista Cirri. Likewise, David Popper was a cellist who composed a great number of charming show pieces in addition to his iconic études, which are considered mandatory repertoire for every cello student.

For the Cello Biënnale in 2022, Karmit Fadael composed the atmospheric piece Sēo for cello and low strings. Let’s see if she can also show the cello in all its virtuosity: squeaking, screaming, and growling!

The jury of the National Cello Competition 2026 consists of the following members: Sven Arne Tepl, Chu Yi-Bing, Jan Ype Nota, Giovanni Gnocchi, Monika Leskovar, Emmanuelle Bertrand, Liza Ferschtman, and Patty Hamel (secretary).