The ClaviMasters International Piano Competition stands as a celebration of artistic excellence and global talent in the world of piano. Rooted in a distinguished legacy that began as part of the ClaviCologne International Piano Festival, the competition continues a tradition of inspiring and supporting outstanding young pianists from all around the world by offering them the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of some of the biggest names in the contemporary classical music world, with a variety of top prizes awaiting the most accomplished amongst their number.
Dear Friends,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the ClaviMasters International Piano Competition, a project that represents both a proud artistic legacy and an exciting vision for the future. Since its inception, ClaviMasters has been driven by a deep commitment to artistic excellence, and the discovery of exceptional young pianists whose voices deserve to be heard on the world stage.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
ClaviMasters was conceived as a space where pianists could express not only technical mastery, but also their true musical identity. Throughout its evolution, from its early years within ClaviCologne to its most recent chapters, the competition has always placed artistry, talent, and individuality at the centre of its artistic vision, and this will remain our driving force for this upcoming standalone edition.
The Classic Cello International Competition shall be showcasing the most exceptional emerging talents in the world of cello, handpicked from across the globe through a rigorous audition process. Representing an international array of young artists, these 40 musicians, chosen for their remarkable skill and artistry, embody the future of classical music and will compete across three demanding rounds in what promises a celebration of the next generation of cello virtuosos.
A globally-distinguished jury, comprising 11 celebrated figures from across the classical music sphere, shall be presiding over Classic Cello, each of whom will be lending their wealth of experience and dedication to nurturing talent, and ensuring a fair and insightful evaluation of each participant, enriching the competition with their global perspectives and artistic expertise. View All →
The 2026 Classic Cello International Competition boasts an extraordinary prize fund exceeding € 130,000, underscoring its scope, ambition, and global prestige. Standing at € 50,000, the First Prize alone is among the most generous in the world of classical music contests, further buoyed by a € 30,000 Second Prize, € 20,000 Third Prize, and a range of additional cash prizes going all the way down to ninth place. Moreover, these will be further complemented by a series of Special Prizes and accolades, including the unique opportunity to receive a two-year loan of a professional-grade cello from Florian Leonhard, ensuring that the winners leave London fully equipped for continued excellence.
Special prize 30.000 NOK from Talent Norge
One of the finalists of Classic Cello 2026 will be awarded a prestigious two-year loan of a fine old Italian cello, generously provided by the Florian Leonhard Fellowship (London). The recipient will be invited to the FLFV-London workshop, where the instrument will be expertly set up and adjusted to meet their individual playing style and preferences.
New, yet to be released Cello Set
+ Personal String Consultation with Dr Thomas Zwieg
New, yet to be released Cello Set
+ Personal String Workshop with Dr Thomas Zwieg
+ 1 Year Larsen Friend Status
+ 1 Year supply of Larsen cello strings
Classic Cello shall be supported by extensive media coverage, bringing the event to a global audience through collaborations with leading international platforms as well as local press organisations. These esteemed outlets will be providing a series of real-time updates, in-depth reports, and engaging articles, ensuring that every performance in London is celebrated and shared widely. With such significant media presence, this landmark event will not only showcase the extraordinary talent of its participants but also reinforce London’s reputation as a premier destination for classical music excellence worldwide.
