Building on the success of the inaugural standalone event in 2026, the Classic Cello International Competition will be returning to the calendar in September 2030, with its next edition set to take place in the magnificent Italian city of Milan from the 16th to the 29th of the month. Once again, Classic Cello will be bringing together exceptional young cellists from all around the globe for a celebration of one of the most storied instruments in the classical sphere. Led by President Konstantin Ishkhanov and Artistic Director Alexander Chaushian, this 2030 edition will continue the competition’s commitment to providing outstanding musicians with a major international platform on which to showcase their talent and build their careers, with participants set to perform before a distinguished international jury panel as they go head-to-head for a range of prestigious prizes, awards, and performance opportunities. 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,
I am extremely happy to be returning as Artistic Director of the Classic Cello International Competition, and very excited that our next edition will be taking place in the beautiful city of Milan, one of Europe’s most historic music capitals.
Our inaugural competition in 2026 was an incredibly rewarding experience. We had the privilege of welcoming an outstanding group of cellists from around the world, each bringing their own personality, musical language, and approach to the instrument. The level of artistry we encountered made those days very special, and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on what we began.
DEAR FRIENDS,
It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome you to a new chapter in the story of the Classic Cello International Competition, which will be returning for a second entry from the 16th to 29th September 2030, this time in the wonderful city of Milan!
When we launched the first standalone edition of Classic Cello in London in 2026, we did so with great ambition, but also with the belief that a competition can become much more than a single event. What followed exceeded our expectations. We welcomed an extraordinary international community of musicians and witnessed performances of remarkable quality, establishing a foundation upon which we are now very proud to build.
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 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 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.
Classic Cello 2030 will offer a wide range of prizes designed to recognise exceptional performances and support the continued development of outstanding young cellists. Separate awards will be presented to each of the three top-ranked entrants, while there will also be a variety of Special Prizes in recognition of different achievements, along with further distinctions presented by the event’s Official Partners. Together, these prizes will form an important part of the competition’s wider commitment to rewarding excellence and creating meaningful opportunities for participants as they continue to build their artistic and professional careers.
for Best Performance of the Semi-Final
of Classic Cello London 2026 –
presented by Dorran Alibaud,
Artistic Director of the Soloist Programme Podium
and Dirigentforum at Talent Norway.
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 Milan 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 Milan’s reputation as a premier destination for classical music excellence worldwide.