Queen Elisabeth Competition
Experience the thrilling final week of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition, where twelve outstanding cellists will compete for a place among the greats.
Multiple dates available
Experience the thrilling final week of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition, where twelve outstanding cellists will compete for a place among the greats.
Recognized as one of the most demanding and widely publicised international competitions, the Queen Elisabeth Competition has, ever since its founding in 1937, served as a springboard for young violinists, pianists, singers, and cellists at the dawn of their international careers. Above all, the Competition aims to build bridges between emerging virtuosos and the world’s leading concert stages. During the final week, candidates will perform a brand-new commissioned work, created especially for this edition, along with a concerto of their own choosing.
2026 promises to be a festive year: we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Competition under its current name — in 1937 and 1938 it was still known as the Eugène Ysaÿe Competition — as well as the 150th anniversary of Queen Elisabeth’s birth. It will also mark the third edition dedicated to the cello, and the first time the Belgian National Orchestra accompanies this instrument in the Competition.
With thanks to the players of the National Lottery.
Two masterpieces in one evening: Rachmaninov’s renowned Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside an exceptional performance of Stravinsky’s powerful Firebird in full.
Three residents of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel perform for the first time with the Belgian National Orchestra.
