After an exceptional and fully sold-out 2025 Piano edition, the cello will be celebrated in 2026. This year, we will proudly mark the 75th anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, as well as the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Queen Elisabeth and Pablo Casals, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and whose Goffriller cello ‘Casals’ will be loaned for four years to the First Laureate of the 2026 Competition.

Applications were open for classically trained cellists aged 18 to 30 years until Wednesday 26 November 2025. At the end of January 2026, a preselection round has taken place behind closed doors, for which 185 applicants submitted video recordings of their performances.

The selected participants then proceed to the live rounds in May in Flagey and the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts, where they will face the challenge of performing in front of a distinguished international jury. Their names will be announced soon.

Throughout the Competition, the cellists interpret a diverse repertoire that spans various musical periods and styles. They also have to showcase their own interpretations of two imposed contemporary works, specially written for the Competition. One is part of the semi-final recital programme, the other - a work with orchestra accompaniment - has to be studied for the final without any external assistance during a week's stay at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

We are happy to welcome you to Flagey or the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts to discover these excellent musicians with us!