About the Competition

Founded in 2000 by Gabriella Szili and Csaba Onczay, the competition was created to offer young cellists (aged 10–23) an opportunity to present their talent and artistic development in an international environment.

Since its founding, the competition has been held in Várpalota, Hungary, with the continuous support of the city and the local music school.

Over the years, more than 450 cellists from over 24 countries — including South Korea, China, the United States, Japan, Brazil, and Australia — have taken part in the competition.

Many participants return to these competitions, reflecting the strong artistic community and long-term impact of the event.

Prestige and Impact

The competition has established a distinguished place among international cello competitions, recognized for its high artistic standards and its internationally respected jury.

Several prizewinners have gone on to achieve major international success. Among them:

• István Várdai — multiple prizewinner of the competition and later winner of the ARD International Music Competition

• Andrei Ioniță — prizewinner in Várpalota and later winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition

These successes highlight the competition’s role as a launching platform for outstanding young artists.

Why Popper?

The competition is named after David Popper (1843–1913), one of the most influential figures in the history of cello playing.

As a virtuoso, teacher, and composer, Popper helped define the technical and artistic foundations of modern cello performance. His works remain central to the training of cellists worldwide.

By bearing his name, the competition continues this tradition — supporting young musicians in developing both technical mastery and artistic identity.