The 2026 Classic Cello International Competition will take place from March 26th to April 6th, 2026, at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London. Organised by CMDI Group, and led by Artistic Director Alexander Chaushian, this event celebrates cello artistry on a global scale and marks the first standalone edition of the competition following its success as part of the Classic Strings series. In all, forty talented cellists shall be taking to the stage in front of a distinguished 11-member jury board, presenting a wide-ranging repertoire that spans all the way from Bach to contemporary composers across three demanding rounds, including a final performance alongside the Philharmonia Orchestra, London, under the baton of conductor Tomàs Grau, as they compete for a stunning prize fund exceeding €130,000. Read more →
Registrationfor the Classic CelloInternational Competitionis now open!
Candidates must be born after
26th March 1986to be eligible.
Take the next step towardsmusical greatness and send in yourvideo auditionsby December 1st 2025!
DEAR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
It is a tremendous honour for me to welcome you to the 2026 Classic Cello International Competition, an event that stands as a testament to the transformative vision of this event’s President, Konstantin Ishkhanov. His unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for musicians worldwide has made this moment possible, and I would like to thank him for trusting me with such a wonderful responsibility.
DEAR FRIENDS,
It is with great pride and anticipation that I welcome you all to the 2026 Classic Cello International Competition. This event, which is a significant landmark in our history, reflects the remarkable growth of our vision to elevate and celebrate classical music on a global stage. With the invaluable guidance and support of Alexander Chaushian, my friend and partner in this endeavour, this standalone competition has become a reality, taking Classic Cello to the next phase, and offering a platform for extraordinary cellists to shine.
The Classic Cello International Competition shall be showcasing the most exceptional emerging talents in the world of cello, handpicked from across the globe through a rigorous audition process. Representing an international array of young artists, these 40 musicians, chosen for their remarkable skill and artistry, embody the future of classical music and will compete across three demanding rounds in what promises a celebration of the next generation of cello virtuosos.
A globally-distinguished jury, comprising 11 celebrated figures from across the classical music sphere, shall be presiding over Classic Cello, each of whom will be lending their wealth of experience and dedication to nurturing talent, and ensuring a fair and insightful evaluation of each participant, enriching the competition with their global perspectives and artistic expertise. View All →
The 2026 Classic Cello International Competition boasts an extraordinary prize fund exceeding €130,000, underscoring its scope, ambition, and global prestige. Standing at €50,000, the First Prize alone is among the most generous in the world of classical music contests, further buoyed by a €30,000 Second Prize, €20,000 Third Prize, and a range of additional cash prizes going all the way down to ninth place. Moreover, these will be further complemented by a series of Special Prizes and accolades, including the unique opportunity to receive a two-year loan of a valuable 18th century cello made by the Carcassi brothers, contributed by the Florian Leonhard Fellowship (London), ensuring that the winners leave London fully equipped for continued excellence.
Special prize 30.000 NOK from Talent Norge
One of the finalists of Classic Cello 2026 will be awarded a prestigious two-year loan of a fine old Italian cello, generously provided by the Florian Leonhard Fellowship (London). The recipient will be invited to the FLFV-London workshop, where the instrument will be expertly set up and adjusted to meet their individual playing style and preferences.
New, yet to be released Cello Set
+ Personal String Consultation with Dr Thomas Zwieg
New, yet to be released Cello Set
+ Personal String Workshop with Dr Thomas Zwieg
+ 1 Year Larsen Friend Status
+ 1 Year supply of Larsen cello strings
Classic Cello shall be supported by extensive media coverage, bringing the event to a global audience through collaborations with leading international platforms as well as local press organisations. These esteemed outlets will be providing a series of real-time updates, in-depth reports, and engaging articles, ensuring that every performance in London is celebrated and shared widely. With such significant media presence, this landmark event will not only showcase the extraordinary talent of its participants but also reinforce London’s reputation as a premier destination for classical music excellence worldwide.