Classic Cello Final Round Nearing Completion as Second Day of Performances Take Place in London
Organised by CMDI, and under the charge of President Konstantin Ishkhanov, the competition has brought together 40 outstanding young cellists from across the globe, in what is the largest cello contest that the UK has ever hosted. Having come through two demanding rounds, the most talented members of this cohort are now battling it out to be crowned as the finest young cellist of their generation.
For this phase, each contestant is presenting two full concertos alongside the orchestra, one of which is chosen from a list that includes works by Édouard Lalo, Edward Elgar, and Robert Schumann, and another selected from amongst three cello concertos written by the competition’s Composer-in-Residence, Alexey Shor.
With the orchestra playing a central role in this final phase, the competition continues to highlight the importance of collaboration and stage presence, giving the jury panel, which is led by Jury Chairman and Artistic Director Alexander Chaushian (UK), and includes amongst it Dorran Alibaud (France), Deborah Borda (USA), Angela Dixon (UK), Kathryn Enticott (UK), Michael Haefliger (Switzerland), Ursula Haselböck (Austria), Paul Hughes (UK), Florian Leonhard (UK), Julian Lloyd Webber (UK), and James Williams (UK), an ideal basis on which to make their judgements for the final standings.
“It’s a huge thrill to be part of the jury here at Classic Cello, and to see these nine exceptionally talented cellists in the final”, said juror James Williams, the Director of the Royal College of Music. “It’s tremendous for the Royal College of Music to be hosting this event. For nearly 150years, the Royal College has been developing the very finest young talents in music, and so it’s a natural home for this wonderful international cello competition, and to welcome so many cellists from so many different nationalities as well. I think these last few days have really reminded me just what a bright future live music has, and the sheer talents that are out there, so we’re hugely looking forward to hear the remaining few contestants!”
“I’ve known Alexey Shor’s music for many years now”, he continued, speaking about the programme for this Final Round, “and I think it’s absolutely essential to have contemporary works included in the repertoire, and particularly to have young musicians playing contemporary music, which is really, really important. Our job is always to champion live composers as well as great composers of the past, so it’s absolutely right that these concertos by Alexey Shor are included in the repertoire. I don’t think I have a favourite necessarily myself; each of the Shor concertos have their own individual personalities, but it’s been fascinating hearing repeat performances of them, and hearing how different they sound in the hands of different cellists, so I’m really looking forward to listening to the next few contestants and getting the full view of the different performances.”
All finalists are guaranteed a share of the competition’s prize fund, which exceeds €130,000, with the overall winner set to receive a First Prize of €50,000. In addition, a number of Special Prizes and Awards will be presented, providing further opportunities for each of these young cellists. With one final day of performances remaining, anticipation continues to build ahead of the conclusion of Classic Cello on 6th April, which will be followed by the official prize-giving ceremony later that same day.
