The Danish International Cello Competition is designed to support participants future development as an elite artist and offers the opportunity to compete for cash prizes totalling €27,000, international concerts, an album release, mentorship, and artist management. The competition is open to cellists of all nationalities up to the age of 30.
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The Danish Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Denmark’s leading symphony orchestras. Collaborating with renowned conductors and soloists, the orchestra performs a wide symphonic repertoire.
The competition is based at the Concert Hall Alsion in Sønderborg and streamed internationally, placing you directly in front of audiences, presenters and decision-makers across the classical music world.
Learn about what makes DICC different from other competitions:
Participants are not only here to compete; they are here to develop.
Our mentors from all over the world provide focused guidance and leadership training, supporting participants in refining their identity as an artist and advancing their career beyond the competition stage. Through the integrated mentorship programme, CelloBridge, participants will work with leading musicians and professionals on their artistic and professional development.
Accommodation is provided free of charge for all participants throughout the competition week in Sønderborg, regardless of the competition results. Participants are encouraged to stay for the full week and take part in mentorship activities, concerts, networking, and the wider artistic programme.
Follow the Danish International Cello Competition and experience it in real time - online and in person! Each round is streamed with two hosts guiding you through the competition, offering insights, context, and reactions as the tension builds.
The Danish International Cello Competition fosters collaboration, artistic exchange, and long-term professional relationships across borders, offering you access to a wider artistic network. The competition is designed as a place to be heard, seen and to support participants future development as an elite artist.
Most international competitions focus exclusively on performance. While the competitive element is central, DICC is designed around long-term career development.
Through the integrated CelloBridge mentorship programme all 24 participants have the opportunity to receive coaching, professional development workshops, and industry access, even after elimination and with accommodation provided for the whole week. All eliminated participants receive individual jury feedback.
The first prize not only includes €14,000 but also an album release, continued mentorship over multiple years, and positioning as a Larsen Strings Performing Artist.
The competition includes four rounds of performances at Concert Hall Alsion, individual jury feedback for every eliminated contestant, and full access to the CelloBridge mentorship programme throughout the week. CelloBridge includes coaching sessions, workshops on performance, career planning and mental health, panel talks with jury members, networking opportunities, and informal concerts.
CelloBridge is integrated into the competition and is open to all selected participants. You do not need to remain in the competition to take part — all participants are encouraged to continue engaging with the programme especially after elimination. CelloBridge is not open to individuals who have not been selected as competition participants.
The Danish International Cello Competition is held at Concert Hall Alsion in Sønderborg, Denmark — the home venue of the Danish Philharmonic Orchestra. Sønderborg is situated in the Sønderjylland region of southern Jutland, set along the Als Sund strait with easy access to nature, historic streets, and waterfront promenades.
Yes. All competition rounds are streamed internationally, so you can follow every round live from anywhere in the world or attend the rounds live in Sønderborg. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the intensity and artistry of the participants up close, as the competition unfolds into an exciting finale.
Information about the tickets will be available closer to the competition date on our website.
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