Cello winners announced for the 2026 George Enescu International Competition
Swiss cellist Samuel Niederhauser has won first prize at the 2026 George Enescu International Competition in Bucharest. The competition featured performances by three finalists and included awards for best interpretation and audience favorites.
Why it matters
This competition is a significant event in the classical music world, helping to launch the careers of emerging international soloists.
The final round of the 2026 George Enescu International Competition cello division took place on 7 September at the Roman Athenaeum in Bucharest. Three finalists performed a concerto with the Romanian Radio National Orchestra, conducted by Case Scaglione.
28-year-old Swiss cellist Samuel Niederhauser was awarded first prize of €15,000, following his performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto no.1. He also won €2,000 for the best interpretation of the competition’s commissioned work – Waves of Gravel by Malika Kishino – plus the audience award of €1,000.
Niederhauser will also perform a concert at Teatro Fraschini di Pavia, Italy in February 2027 as part of his first prizewinner package, plus additional concerts and recitals in Romania and career mentoring and guidance.
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