Competition
The David Popper International Cello Competition
For more than twenty-five years, the David Popper International Cello Competition has brought together talented young cellists from around the world, providing a distinguished platform for artistic excellence, musical development and international exchange.
Rooted in the musical heritage of David Popper, the Competition celebrates not only technical achievement, but also individuality, expressive depth and the art of musical interpretation.
Through encounters with distinguished musicians, teachers and fellow performers, generations of young cellists have found inspiration, encouragement and opportunities to take meaningful steps in their artistic journeys.
Today, the Competition continues its tradition as an important part of the Popper Heritage Association’s commitment to preserving musical heritage and supporting the next generation of cellists.
A Legacy Built on Vision and Dedication
Founded in 2000 by Gabriella Szili and Csaba Onczay, the David Popper International Cello Competition was born from a shared vision: to create an international stage where young cellists could develop, perform and be recognised for their artistic achievements.
Gabriella Szili, director of the Allegro Art School and the Competition, and Csaba Onczay, internationally acclaimed cellist, professor and permanent president of the jury, have guided its development from the very beginning.
A significant milestone came in 2013, when the Municipality of Várpalota became the Competition’s principal supporter, strengthening its lasting connection with the city, its musical community and the historic Thury Castle.
Over more than twenty-five years, the Competition has welcomed young musicians from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia, becoming a meeting place for different musical traditions and generations of emerging cellists.
Prestige and Artistic Impact
Over the years, the David Popper International Cello Competition has earned international recognition through its high artistic standards, distinguished jury and commitment to nurturing exceptional young talent.
The achievements of its former prizewinners reflect the Competition’s lasting significance. Among them are István Várdai, who went on to win the ARD International Music Competition, and Andrei Ioniță, winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition. Other outstanding alumni, including Yosuke Shimizu and Álvaro Lozano Cames, have also continued their artistic journeys with notable success on the international stage.
These achievements illustrate the Competition’s role not only as a platform for young musicians to demonstrate their abilities, but also as an important milestone in their artistic development and professional careers.
Why David Popper?
The Competition bears the name of David Popper (1843–1913), one of the most influential cellists, composers and pedagogues in the history of the instrument.
A celebrated virtuoso and professor at the Budapest Academy of Music, Popper helped shape the artistic and pedagogical traditions of modern cello playing. His compositions, from technical studies to expressive character pieces and concert works, remain an essential part of cello education and the international concert repertoire.
His legacy embodies a fundamental artistic principle: technical mastery finds its true purpose in musical expression.
By carrying his name, the Competition honours this tradition and encourages new generations of cellists to pursue not only technical excellence, but also artistic individuality, imagination and expressive depth.
The Tradition Continues
12th David Popper International Cello Competition
11–17 October 2027
Thury Castle · Várpalota, Hungary
In October 2027, the David Popper International Cello Competition will return to the historic Thury Castle in Várpalota, continuing a tradition of artistic excellence and international musical exchange that began more than twenty-five years ago.
The 12th edition will mark an important milestone in the Competition’s history as the first to be held under the auspices of the Popper Heritage Association, bringing together the preservation of David Popper’s legacy and the discovery and encouragement of new generations of talented young cellists.
We look forward to welcoming young musicians from around the world to another inspiring celebration of cello artistry.
Detailed information about the competition, including eligibility, repertoire, regulations and applications, will be published on the official competition website.
