Supporting young cellists
The Pau Casals Foundation created the Pablo Casals International Award for Young Cellists in 1984 to help young talents further their musical studies and perfect their technique and interpretative art through instruction with distinguished teachers. Over the course of its existence, more than fifty young cellists have received the Foundation’s support, becoming an important network of ambassadors for the living musical legacy of Pablo Casals.
In the 2024 edition, the Pablo Casals International Award for Young Cellists is open to candidates from all over the world. The Award consists of three study-enhancement prizes of €18,000, €12,000 and €6,000, respectively. In addition, the Pau Casals Foundation offers artistic promotion activities and advice to the prize-winners. A jury of international prestige is responsible for examining the candidatures, selecting the finalists and choosing the winners.
Competition
Who is eligible to participate?
Are you a young cellist and would like to extend your studies with the instrument? Take part in the Pablo Casals International Award for Young Cellists and benefit from the opportunity to continue your studies with prestigious teachers.
The Pablo Casals International Award is open to all cellists who meet the following requirements:
- Cello students of any nationality who were born after 31 December 2002.
- The winners and finalists of a previous edition cannot apply to the Pablo Casals International Award.
Awards and promotion
The Pablo Casals International Award is one of the most prestigious international competitions for young cellists and has three prizes:
- First Prize – €18,000
- AENA Special Prize – €12,000
- Third Prize – €6,000
Besides the financial contribution, the Laureates will have the opportunity to take part in concerts organised by the Pau Casals Foundation and will receive advice on how to develop their professional and artistic careers.
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Jury (final audition)
Jury (finalists)
Winners
Honorary mention
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the International Award Pau Casals for Young Cellists?
It is a biennial international competition organized by the Pau Casals Foundation with the aim of helping young cello talents in their education to perfect their technique and developing their artistry with distinguished professors.
Who can participate in this award?
The International Pau Casals Award is open to young cellists of any nationality born after 31st December 2002.
Can I participate more than once?
Yes, except if you have been a finalist or awarded in any of the previous editions.
How can I register?
Through the Pau Casals Foundation's website, filling out the registration form found in the call section.
What is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is 17th May 2024 until 23:59 CET.
What documentation do I need to attach to the registration?
- Copy of the passport (or ID card for citizens of the European Union).
- Summarized professional curriculum with a photograph.
- A letter of application.
- Links to the two (2) videos recorded by the candidate.
- Supplementary documentation: reports from teachers or other musicians duly signed, concert programs and reviews.
- Two photographs in .jpg or .png format (ideally, one horizontal and one vertical).
How many videos do I need to record for the registration?
The applicants must send two video recordings of two works for cello solo. A Bach Suite and a modern work to be chosen from the list of the conditions of the Award.
What are the technical requirements for making the videos?
Sound and image clarity are important. Candidates are advised to record their videos with the best quality they can.
The videos must be recorded from the front with only one camera shot and the contestant’s hands and face must remain visible
The two works can be recorded on different days and place, but no cut or editing is permitted.
Videos cannot be subject to any restrictions and must be available on YouTube or Vimeo with their respective private links, which should be attached to the registration form.
What if I can't upload the videos to YouTube or Vimeo?
Applicants who are unable to upload their videos because of restrictions or local censorship of the YouTube or Vimeo platform may submit them through other similar platforms. They also can send the videos through WeTransfer or SwissTransfer. In that case, they should inform the Foundation at the following email address: award@paucasals.org.
How and when do I make the payment for my registration?
The payment can be made by credit card or a bank transfer before the closing of the registration period.
When will I know if I have been selected as a finalist?
The candidates registered for the Award will receive an email notification from 30th June 2024 confirming or denying their acceptance as a finalist for the Award.
If I am a finalist, when should I arrive in Vendrell?
It is recommended that the finalists arrive the day before the event in El Vendrell, since the final auditions will begin early in the morning.
What is the deadline for making changes to my repertoire?
The deadline to communicate the repertoire will be 30th October 2024, and no changes will be accepted after this date.
Can my own pianist accompany me?
Yes, but you must notify the Pau Casals Foundation at least one month before the audition and assume all corresponding costs.
What are the prizes of the International Award Pau Casals?
First Prize – 18,000 €
AENA Special Prize (Second Prize) – 12,000 €
Third Prize – 6,000 €
In addition to the financial contribution, what benefits will the winners receive?
The awardees will have the opportunity to participate in concerts and artistic promotion activities organised by the Pau Casals Foundation and receive guidance in the development of their professional and artistic careers.
Who is the jury for the Award?
There will be two juries composed of distinguished professional cellists.
The first will view the videos and select the finalists.
The second, which will also review the videos, will choose the winners of the three awards at the final audition.
What are the phases of the International Award Pau Casals?
The Award consists of two phases:
First phase: two video recordings of two works for cello solo. A Bach Suite and a modern work to be chosen from the list of the conditions of the Award.
Second phase: final audition held in person in front of the second jury.
What are the evaluation criteria for the competition?
Candidates are assessed based on their technique, artistic expression, interpretation, and other musical aspects.
When and where is the International Award Pau Casals held?
The Award takes place on 16th November 2024, at the Municipal School of Music Pau Casals in El Vendrell (Passatge del Tívoli, 3-7, El Vendrell, Tarragona, Spain, 43700). You will find all updated information in the official communication channels of the Pau Casals Foundation.
Is it possible to attend any of the competition phases as an audience?
Yes, the second phase, which is the final audition.
Previous
editions
