Forty one young cellists from sixteen countries, from Europe as well as Japan and South Korea, take part in the 7th Witold Lutosławski International Cello Competition in Warsaw.

With an age limit of 24 for the participants, it is addressed to students of music academies at the threshold of their artistic careers. The programme includes all the cello works by the Polish composer, Witold Lutoslawski, the patron of the event.

This gives the finalists the unique opportunity to perform with an orchestra the composer’s Cello Concerto, one of his finest pieces. Prizewinners’ names will be announced on 26 February. An international jury consists of nine persons and is chaired by the prominent Polish conductor, Kazimierz Kord.

Founded in 1997, the Lutoslawski Cello Competition in Warsaw is held every second year. Polish Radio 2 is the media sponsor of the event. (mk/pg)