First Round

The most exciting part of the Cello Biënnale

National Cello Competition

Fri 30 Oct 10:00 - 15:00

Main Hall

National Cello Competition

Past event

Fri 30 Oct

10:00 - 15:00

Past event

Program

Giovanni Battista Cirri Sonata Op. 15 No. 5
Karmit Fadael Circle for cello solo
David Popper Mazurka

Performers

Participants
10:00–10:25 Douwe Eisses
10:25–10:50 Joost de Boer
10:50–11:15 Andrej van Brakel

11:30–11:55 Michal Riefeld
11:55–12:20 Daniel Brandon
12:20–12:45 Jertil Olah

13:45–14:15 Stephanie Yang
14:15–14:40 Jurre Koopmans

Competition accompanists
Charlotte Gulikers cello
Daniël Kramer piano

Following a pre-selection, fifteen talented young cellists are given the opportunity to present themselves to an international jury in three rounds. In the first round, for which entry is free, all fifteen candidates will perform the same pieces. This year’s competition is the first after ten editions not to include a piece by Luigi Boccherini in the first round; instead, there will be a work by the Italian composer and cellist Giovanni Battista Cirri. Likewise, David Popper was a cellist who composed a great number of charming show pieces in addition to his iconic études, which are considered mandatory repertoire for every cello student.

For the Cello Biënnale in 2022, Karmit Fadael composed the atmospheric piece Sēo for cello and low strings. Let’s see if she can also show the cello in all its virtuosity: squeaking, screaming, and growling!

The jury of the National Cello Competition 2026 consists of the following members: Sven Arne Tepl, Chu Yi-Bing, Jan Ype Nota, Giovanni Gnocchi, Monika Leskovar, Emmanuelle Bertrand, Liza Ferschtman, and Patty Hamel (secretary).