75 & 150 years
In 2026, the Queen Elisabeth Competition will experience a truly special edition devoted to the cello, marking three major anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elisabeth, the 75th anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pablo Casals, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century. This year will highlight the artistic and humanistic legacy of the Queen, as well as the bonds she shared with the renowned Catalan cellist, Casals.
A series of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and participatory projects throughout Belgium will celebrate this triple anniversary, with the Cello Competition session as the highlight of the spring season. Several cultural partners have joined forces to bring this ambitious programme to life, including the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra/Queen Elisabeth Hall, Flagey, Bozar and the Pablo Casals Foundation.
A series of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and participatory projects throughout Belgium will celebrate this triple anniversary, with the Cello Competition session as the highlight of the spring season. Several cultural partners have joined forces to bring this ambitious programme to life, including the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra/Queen Elisabeth Hall, Flagey, Bozar and the Pablo Casals Foundation.
