The competition, named after the famed 20th-century Polish composer, conductor and pianist, will take place from May 1 through May 12.
Witold Lutosławski (1913-1994). Photo: PAP/Adam Hawałej
The event is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world for cellists under the age of 30.
The opening concert is scheduled for April 30 at the Polish Radio Concert Studio, featuring the Polish Radio Orchestra led by conductor Michał Klauza.
The program includes pieces by Bach, Witold Lutosławski, Krzysztof Penderecki, and others.
Forty-three cellists from 13 countries will participate in the competition. Eighteen of those attending will represent Poland.
The first and second stages of the competition will take place at the National Philharmonic, and admission to attend these sessions is free to the public.
The final concerts, featuring the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra led by Marek Moś, will require tickets to be purchased.
The festival program will incorporate all of Lutosławski’s cello works, and will also give participants a chance to perform his cello concerto with a full orchestra in the final stage.
In addition, pieces were chosen by other composers such as Chopin, Bach, Boccherini and Beethoven to accentuate the depth and skill of each participant.
The winner of the 12th Witold Lutosławski International Cello Competition will be announced at the Prizewinners' Concert and Awards Ceremony on May 12, the final day of the event, at the National Philharmonic in the Polish capital.
The prize pool stands at EUR 41,500.
In addition to the main award, 16 additional prizes and distinctions will be given.
More details about the event and the program are available on the organizers' website, at lutoslawski-cello.art.pl.
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Source: PAP, lutoslawski-cello.art.pl