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 and a €2700 prize for Best Performance of the Semi-Final of Classic Cello London 2026 – presented by Dorran Alibaud, Artistic Director of the Soloist Programme Podium and Dirigentforum at Talent Norway.

Larsen’s awards include a new cello string set for the top three laureates, personalised...