Turku Cello Competition 2026 invites young cellists to compete

Photo: Seilo Ristimäki, 2018

Turun Soitannollinen Seura r.y. will organize the 15th National Cello Competition in Turku on 13–20 February 2026. The competition has been held since 1972, initially every three years and more recently every four years.

The Turku Cello Competition has played a crucial role in raising the standard of cello playing in Finland to an international level. It continues to serve as a strong motivator for new generations of cellists.

The competition offers young cellists a significant opportunity to grow and showcase their talent. It is open to young Finnish cellists and brings together gifted musicians from all over the country. The goal is to promote Finnish cello playing and provide young musicians with valuable performance experience and career opportunities.

Tatu Kauppinen, winner of the 2022 Turku Cello Competition, encourages young cellists to participate: “Winning the Turku Cello Competition has opened up amazing opportunities for my career. I’ve performed as a soloist with several Finnish orchestras, received festival invitations, and met many new people. Just participating in the competition was a great chance to develop my skills and master a broad repertoire. I will remember the competition week forever and warmly recommend it to all young cellists!”

Eero Linjama, Chairman of Turun Soitannollinen Seura, emphasizes the event’s significance for cello music enthusiasts: “The Turku Cello Competition offers a unique opportunity to hear the finest young cellists in the country. The repertoire showcases the participants’ creativity and artistic personality in a diverse and meaningful way.”

The competition is open to all Finnish cellists who have not reached the age of 30 by 13 February 2026. However, cellists who have previously won first prize in the Turku Cello Competition are not eligible.

Registration must be completed online via the form at www.turkucello.fi. The registration period is 21 September – 30 October 2025 (until 23:59). A photograph, video recording, and the registration fee must be submitted as instructed on the form. If necessary, the competition committee will select participants based on the submitted materials and video. Participants will be notified by 13 November 2025.

Erkki Lahesmaa, Chairman of the competition and a cellist himself, highlights a special feature of the 2026 competition: “I am especially excited about the 12 premieres of Lauri Mäntysaari’s commissioned solo cello piece during the semifinals. The work consists of short movements that the contestants may place freely within their semifinal recital. This allows participants to express their artistic vision and may even offer fresh perspectives on well-known cello works.”

The 2026 Turku Cello Competition features a multi-stage program that challenges the participants both technically and artistically. Contestants can look forward to an inspiring and rewarding week of music, connections, and invaluable performance experience.

Previous winners include: Raimo Sariola & Timo Hanhinen (1972), Risto Poutanen (1975), Pauli Heikkinen (1978), Martti Rousi (1982), Riitta Pesola (1986), Tuija Rantamäki (1990), Susanna Mälkki & Roi Ruottinen (1994), Panu Luosto (1998), Tuomas Ylinen (2002), Samuli Peltonen (2006), Tomas Nuñez-Garcés (2010), Senja Rummukainen (2014), Leonardo Chiodo (2018), and Tatu Kauppinen (2022).

Jussi Merikanto

jussi.merikanto@tmj.fi