Queen Elisabeth Competition | Cello 2026

In 2026, the cello is back in the starring role. It is the perfect occasion to celebrate the 150th birthday of the legendary Pablo Casals, a great musician and humanist who inspires people now more than ever. With a recital full of core Casals repertoire. We also welcome a hundred young string players to the VIVA festival with Jolente De Maeyer as an introduction to the final week of the competition. True to tradition, you will also hear the winner of the previous competition at work.