The loan of the historic instrument will honour the 75th anniversary of the competition, as well as the 150th anniversaries of the births of both Pablo Casals and Queen Elisabeth
The first laureate of the 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition will receive the 1733 ‘Casals’ Gofriller cello for a period of four years.
The loan will mark the 75th anniversary edition of the cello competition, which takes place from 4 May to 10 June 2026, as well as the 150th anniversaries of the births of the Catalan cellist, Pablo Casals (1876–1973) and founding competition patron, Queen Elisabeth (1876–1965).
Queen Elisabeth and Casals maintained a strong friendship united by a common social vision of art and a strong commitment to supporting young musicians. The instrument loan to the competition winner aims to honour their bond.
The competition was founded in 1937 under the name Eugène Ysaÿe Competition. Initially dedicated to violin and piano, the competition held its first cello edition in 2017.
Casals acquired the instrument in 1908. He played it for more than 60 years, using it in numerous performances and recordings, calling it ’his dearest friend’.
Upon his death, Casals bequeathed the cello to the Pau Casals Foundation. Casals’ widow, Marta Casals, cared for the instrument until recent years.
’The loan of the “Casals” Gofriller says a great deal about the values represented by the competition: allowing a living heritage to circulate among a new generation of musicians,’ said Marie Van der Elst, secretary general ad interim of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Yvan de Launoit, president of the competition, highlighted how the exceptional instrument will enable the young cellist to fully showcase their immense talent for four years.
’This act of great generosity offers performers a tangible link to a musical history that continues to be written, and reminds us that the competition is not just about a ranking, but also about personal fulfillment.’
A series of concerts, festivals, exhibitions and participatory projects will take place throughout Belgium to commemorate the anniversaries of the competition, Casals and Queen Elisabeth.
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