The Classic Cello Competition has announced the 40 cellists selected to compete in its 2026 edition, with 11 days of live competition to be held this spring.

Among the chosen competitors are Sydney-born British resident Waynne Wooseok Kwon and New Zealand’s Matthias Balzat, joining an international field of emerging performers vying for top honours in one of the world’s leading cello competitions.

Waynne Wooseok Kwon. Photo supplied

The competition will culminate in a Final Round with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, conducted by Tomàs Grau. Finalists will perform concerto repertoire with the orchestra, marking the climax of the event.

In addition to the main prizes, competitors will be eligible for a range of prestigious special awards offered by the competition’s partners and official sponsors. These include a two-year professional cello loan through the Florian Leonhard Fellowship, a NOK 30,000 prize (approx AU$4,500) from Talent Norge, and substantial prize support from Larsen Strings.

Larsen’s awards include a new cello string set for the top three laureates, personalised workshops with Dr Thomas Zwieg for the top two winners, and a one-year supply of strings...