Everything You Need To Know About Accordi Musicali Academy's Cello Competition

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a remarkable musical experience that could change the course of your career? The Accordi Musicali Academy invites cellists from around the world to take part in its highly anticipated International Cello Competition — a celebration of artistry, talent, and the universal language of music. Set in the historic town of Chieti, Italy, and scheduled to run from July 6th to 8th, 2025, this competition offers a prestigious platform for young musicians to shine.

Open to cellists of all nationalities aged 35 and under, the competition is part of the Accordi Musicali Academy's broader mission to promote musical excellence and foster the next generation of performers. Under the guidance of President Konstantin Ishkhanov and Artistic Director Giuliano Mazzoccante, the academy has become known for its innovative, high-level programming and its dedication to nurturing talent across borders. The cello competition continues this tradition by inviting emerging artists to compete, perform, and learn in a setting that balances artistic challenge with cultural inspiration.

Taking place over two rounds, the competition is designed to showcase both technical brilliance and musical depth. In the first round, each participant will present a 20-minute recital. The program must include a virtuosic study of the performer’s choice from David Popper’s High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73, along with a prelude of the candidate’s choice from Johann Sebastian Bach’s iconic Suites for Solo Cello (BWV 1007–1012). To round out the program, participants will perform either Robert Schumann’s expressive Adagio and Allegro or the richly textured Cello Sonata by Claude Debussy.

Those selected for the final round will perform a recital of no more than 35 minutes. This round will feature Alexey Shor’s Cello Sonata No. 1, a contemporary work that challenges performers to blend lyrical interpretation with modern sensibilities. In addition, candidates will perform one complete cello concerto, choosing between Franz Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major or Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Cello Concerto in A Major. With this diverse repertoire, the competition aims to balance classical tradition with modern expression.

All works, with the exception of Alexey Shor’s sonata, must be performed from memory, and no repertoire from the first round may be repeated in the final. These requirements ensure a dynamic and wide-ranging showcase of each musician’s abilities.

Beyond the prestige and performance opportunities, the competition offers substantial financial rewards. A total prize fund of €9000 will be awarded, with €5000 for the first prize, €3000 for the second, and €1000 for the third. Importantly, all competition rounds will be open to the public, allowing audiences in Italy to experience firsthand the passion and artistry of the next generation of cellists.

Applications for the competition are now open and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the limited number of participants, early application is strongly encouraged. The deadline to register is May 30th, 2025, and all aspiring competitors can apply through the official academy website.

For cellists eager to make their mark on the international stage, the Accordi Musicali Academy’s Cello Competition promises not only recognition and reward, but also a deeply enriching artistic experience in one of Italy’s most beautiful and culturally vibrant regions.

Apply now and let your music resonate through the heart of Italy: https://accordiacademy.com/competitions/cello/