Danish International Cello Competition

 

The DICC is not only a competition but also an international platform for young cellists and a forum where young talents can meet some of the world’s finest musicians, receive advice and guidance and have the opportunity to build a network with other talented peers.

 

The application period for cellists of all nationalities (born on or after 27 June 1996) is between 15 August and 24 October 2026. 24 selected participants will compete against one another in three preliminary rounds and a final one. The competition week begins on 26 June 2027 with an opening concert by the Danish Philharmonic Orchestra closing with the final round and the award ceremony on 3 July 2027.

 

All rounds are open to the public and will take place at the Concert Hall Alsion in Sønderborg. The competition will also be streamed internationally, allowing audiences and music professionals to follow the proceedings in real time.

 

Adam Stadnicki, the orchestra’s artistic director and host of the competition, says: “Denmark has a proud tradition of cello playing, and with Larsen Strings, we have one of the world’s finest string manufacturers right here in Sønderborg. The town’s infrastructure connects us closely with the rest of Europe, making it the perfect choice for the competition, which will hopefully put Denmark even more firmly on the international music map.”

 

Artistic Development and Networking – CelloBridge

 

An integral part of the competition is the CelloBridge mentoring programme, which is designed to support the selected cellists throughout the competition – even after they may have been eliminated from the competition.

 

Trudy Wright, former tour and project manager at Harrison Parrott, is responsible for the management and coordination of CelloBridge: “Throughout the competition, all 24 participating cellists will have the unique opportunity to meet experienced musicians and industry experts through informal (one-to-one) discussions, panel discussions and workshops. This will allow them to gain an understanding of the intricacies and, at times, complex realities of the current music industry, and to explore ways of making sound decisions for their own careers. CelloBridge aims to build a community and foster connections for the next generation of cellists within the framework of a high-calibre international competition.”

 

The competition and the prizes

 

The Danish International Cello Competition is chaired by the internationally renowned cellist Daniel Müller-Schott. A musician who performs with the world’s finest orchestras and who regards masterclasses as a fundamental part of his work.

 

Other members of the jury include Andreas Brantelid (cellist), Amelia Jakobsson (artist manager, Nordic Artists Management), Tatjana Vassiljeva-Monnier (principal cellist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra), Alex Taylor (artistic director of the Oslo Philharmonic), Kathryn Stott (pianist) and Niklas Walentin (Concertmaster of the Danish Philharmonic Orchestra).

The first prize (The Larsen Strings Prize) with an assumed total value of €80,000 will consist of:

• €14,000 in prize money
• 10 concerts with European orchestras
• album recording and release with the Danish Philharmonic Orchestra on PENTATONE
• mentoring with Daniel Müller-Schott and Trudy Wright
• a three-year collaboration with Nordic Artists Management
• opportunity to become a Larsen Performing Artist

In addition, a second prize of €8,000 and a third prize of €5,000 will be awarded, as well as special prizes for outstanding artistic achievement and interpretation.

 

For further information:

Danish International Cello Competition (DICC)
Danish Philharmonic Orchestra
Nordic Artists Management
Larsen Performing Artists Cello
Pentatone

 

For all questions regarding the application process and the competition, please contact Amanda Lindhard, Nordic Artists Management. info@dicc.dk