Queen Elisabeth Competition : Cello 2026

Description

The box set of the third session of the Queen Elisabeth Competition dedicated to the cello features the 12 laureates who provided us with exceptional moments of music. It opens with the concertos of the first four laureates. As usual, it begins with Prokofiev's Symphonie concertante performed by 1st Prize winner Ettore Pagano, followed by Lutoslawski's concerto interpreted by Tae-Yeon Kim, 2nd Prize. Next are Barber's concertos by Leland Ko (3rd Prize) and Shostakovich's concerto by 4th Prize winner Álvaro Lozano Cames. A complete disc of chamber music extends this program, ranging from Josef Suk to Kaija Saariaho, including the imposed work by Harold Noben and other highlights. Then, it returns to the orchestra with the concertos of Anton Kraft and Leopold Hofmann before concluding with Four Odes to the Tidings of Flowers by Fang Man, the imposed work of the final. Beyond the awards, the album reflects the richness of an edition marked by the opening of repertoires, the curiosity of the performers, and the extraordinary diversity of musical personalities gathered in Brussels. A living testament to the art of the cello today.