The National Cello Competition is an essential part of the Cello Biennale Amsterdam. In 2018 it took place for the seventh time.
Fifteen talented cellists from the Netherlands or studying in the Netherlands presented themselves to an international jury and audience during two rounds, and one final round.
!!Applications are open until July 1st!!
The Jury 2020
Sven Arne Tepl
Chair
Marc Coppey
Reinhard Latzko
Monika Leskovar
Amparo Lacruz
Jan-Ype Nota
Monique Bartels
Patty Hamel
Secretary
Programme 2020
First Round
Please note:
Due to the Corona crisis, the board of the competition decided to cancel the Preliminary Round on 29 June 2020.
A recommendation letter from the primary professor or a Bachelor’s Degree will suffice in order to be admitted to the First Round.
First Round
Friday October 23rd and Saturday October 24th 2020
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw
Boccherini Sonate in c, G2, for 2 celli*
M. Padding New work for cello solo (available as of 1 July 2020)
G. Fauré Morceau de Concours for flute and piano**
F. Schumann From Fantasiestücke opus 73: no. 3, Rasch und mit Feuer
* We recommend the Zanibon edition.
Please note: be sure you have the correct version: G.2 (not G.2b)
** The sheet music Morceau the Concours is made available by the organization of the competition.
Accompanists First Round:
Cello - Charlotte Gulikers
Piano - Daniël Kramer
Candidats may bring their own accompanists
Second Round
Tuesday October 27th 2020
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw
J. Haydn From Symphony no. 13 in D: 2nd movement: Adagio cantabile together with string quartet*
Choose from:
B. Britten Sonata for cello and piano in C, opus 65
or
F. Poulenc Sonata for cello and piano, FP 143
Chopin Grande valse brillante in D, opus 18 (Transscription Karl Davidov)*
Solo piece of your own choice, composed after 1970
(8 minutes maximum)
* The sheet music of the 2nd movement of the Haydn Symphonu is made available by the organization of the competition.
** The transcription of Karl Davidov can be downloaded by clicking here!
Accompanists Second Round:
String Quartet- Dostojevski Kwartet
Piano - Daniël Kramer
Candidats may bring their own accompanists
Finals
Friday October 30th 2020
Main Hall, Muziekgebouw
W. Walton Cello Concerto
Symphony Orchestra of the Conservatory of Amsterdam
Sander Teepen, 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 registration will close on 1 July.
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.
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.
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.
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
Gewa Cello Air 3.9
The finalists of the National Cello Competition are offered by Gewa Music the pricewinning cello case Cello Air 3.9 in the color of their choice.
Photoshoot with Sarah Wijzenbeek
The winners of the First, Second and Third Prize are offered a photoshoot with Sarah Wijzenbeek..
And furthermore:
The laureates are offered concerts at various concert series and festivals in the Netherlands. The First Prize winner gets the first option on the concerts.
