About the Competition
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Agassiz is pleased to announce that as part of the 2025 International Cello Festival of Canada, we will once again be hosting the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition for Canadian cellists.
Applications are invited from cellists holding Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant Status in Canada, who are between the ages of 18 and 32 on October 30, 2025.​
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About Zara Nelsova
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Zara Nelsova, celebrated as the "Queen of the Cello" and revered by legendary Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich as "the greatest of all female cellists", was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1918. Her extraordinary legacy lives on, inspiring musicians and music lovers alike.
2025 Competition Details
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PRIZES
Prizes and travel contributions totaling $3,150 for the competition will be offered.
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APPLICATION
Application can be made by submitting the link to a youtube video of 30 minutes of music for solo cello, cello and piano or cello and orchestra, with an up-to-date biography or CV. All submitted items must clearly show the applicant’s name, and emailed to the General Manager: Andrew Thomson at agassizfestivalgm@gmail.com.
Applications must be postmarked or dated on or before April 1st, 2025, or be received on or before April 1st, 2025.
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REPERTOIRE
Choice of repertoire, both for the youtube link and for the Finals, is left to the applicants. Applicants are encouraged to present their playing to best effect. The video will be adjudicated by a panel of three jurors, consisting of:
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Thomas Wiebe, Professor of Cello, University of Western Ontario
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Denise Djokic, Instructor of Cello, University of Illinois-Urbana at Champaign
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Brian Yoon, Principal Cellist, Victoria Symphony Orchestra
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FINALISTS AND AWARD FINALS
Three finalists will be selected and invited, in June 2025, to perform in the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition Finals on October 31st, 2025, as part of the International Cello Festival of Canada in Winnipeg. Two reserve finalists will also be selected. Each cellist will perform 30 minutes of music.
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JURY
A jury of three internationally renowned cellists participating in the 2025 International Cello Festival of Canada will select the winner of the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition immediately after the Finals.
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ACCOMODATIONS IN WINNIPEG
Billeting in Winnipeg will be provided for the three finalists by the festival.
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PIANISTS
A pianist will also be provided, but finalists are very welcome to bring their own pianist, at their own expense.
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PRIZES AND TRAVEL EXPENSES
The Award will comprise a paid professional debut recital at Ottawa Chamberfest in 2026, and a 30-minute Debut Recital on the final day of the festival. $1,050 in prizes will be presented to the finalists (First Prize - $500, Second Prize $300 and Third Prize $250.). $700CDN will be provided to each of the three Finalists to help with their and their cello’s travel expenses to and from the festival.