The National Cello Competition is an essential part of the Cello Biennale Amsterdam. In 2018 it takes place for the seventh time.
A maximum of 15 talented cellists from or studying in the Netherlands may present themselves to an international jury and audience during a preliminary round, two regular rounds, and one final round.
The Jury
Sven Arne Tepl
Chair
Reinhard Latzko
Kristina Blaumane
Chu Yi-Bing
Arnau Tomàs
Monique Bartels
Matt Haimovitz
Patty Hamel
Secretary
Programme
Preliminary round
Wednesday 27 June 2018
Bimhuis
- Johann Sebastian Bach Courante and Sarabande from Suite 1, 2 or 3 (without repeats)
- Antonín Dvořák Rondo in g, opus 94
- Max Reger Scherzo from Suite 3, opus 131 c (without repeats)
Accompanist: Noriko Yabe or own pianist
Not accessible for audience.
First Round
Friday and saturday 19 and 20 October 2018
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ
- Luigi Boccherini* Sonata in A, G13 (without repeats)
- Theo Loevendie Commissioned work available from 1 July
- Frédéric Chopin Cello Sonata in g, opus 65 parts 2 and 3: Scherzo and Largo
- Gabriel Fauré Papillon, opus 77
Accompanists from the First Round:
Cello - Geneviève Verhage
Piano - Daniël Kramer, Daniël Kool
Candidats may bring their own accompanists
* For the Boccherini Sonata the Cello Biënnale recommends the first edition: Boccherini Sonata in A, G13
As a second choice the Cello Biënnale recommends the Wakelkamp Edition: www.editionwakelkamp.com
Second Round
Tuesday 23 October 2018
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
1. Ludwig van Beethoven Choose from:
a) Twelf variations in F, op. 66: “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen”
b) Twelf variations in G, WoO 45: “Judas Maccabaeus”
c) Seven variations in Es, WoO 46: “Bei Männern welche Liebe fühlen”
2. Claude Debussy Sonata for cello and piano in D, L. 135
3. Choose from:
a) Max Reger Sonata no. 3 in F, opus 78: andante con variazioni
b) Johannes Brahms Sonata in F, opus 99: adagio
c) Richard Strauss Sonata in F, opus 6: andante ma non troppo
4. Giovanni Sollima Alone for cello solo (contact michael neuburger for more information about the sheet music)
Finals
Friday 26 October 2018
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ
- Robert Schumann Cello Concerto in a, opus 129
Symphonyorchestra of the Conservatory of Amsterdam
Dirk Vermeulen, conductor
Regulations
Participating cellists must meet the requirements as listed in the attached file. Before applying for the competition, please read this important document thoroughly.
The Prizes
First prize
€8.000,-
Second prize
€6.000,-
Third prize
€4.000,-
Incentive prize
€2.000,-
Audience prize
€1.000,-
Prize for best interpretation of the commissioned work
€1.000,-
Sena Cello CD Prize
The Sena Cello CD Prize gives the winner the opportunity to record a CD. The prize is made possible by Sena Performers.
Start in Splendor prize
As winner of the Start in Splendor Prize you get the opportunity and budget to prove yourself as a cultural entrepreneur and professional artist. You organize and present a concert, taking responsibility for the program, attracting the audience, and finances. The prize is awarded to the candidate with the best proposal that has also reached the second round.
Kronberg Academy Master Class Prize
Since 2012, the competition has been enriched by a new prize: the Kronberg Academy Master Class Prize. This prize allows the three finalists to follow masterclasses in Kronberg, Germany accommodated by the Kronberg Academy. The Kronberg Academy is an academy for string players focused on coaching international talent of the highest order. The academy was founded 20 years ago under the patronage of cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and Marta Casals-Istomin.
Solo performance with orchestra
The winner of the First Prize receives the opportunity to play a solo concerto with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra or the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
And furthermore:
The laureates are offered concerts at various concert series and festivals in the Netherlands.
