Kuldīga is the birthplace of the famous 19th-century musician, composer, world-renowned cellist, and music educator Karl Davidov. Every other year, talented young musicians from various countries come to compete in cello playing. The last competition took place in 2018, marking its 10th anniversary. After a long break, the competition will take place again in 2025, gathering young cello talents in Kuldīga and Riga.

 

The competition is organized by the Kuldīga District Municipality, the Ernests Vīgners Kuldīga Music School, and the J. Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.The competition is a tribute to the cello—a musical instrument whose timbre and sound are closest to the human voice among all instruments. Thanks to this wonderful instrument, every other spring, Kuldīga becomes the capital of the cello, where young cellists from different countries— the best of the best—meet. Since 2000, the patroness of the International K. Davidov Cello Competition is Ellionora Testeļeca, an outstanding, influential educator and performer, cello professor at J. Vītols Latvia Academy of Music.

 

The competition becomes a vibrant event in the series of musical events across Latvia, and cello music, as part of instrumental music, helps carry the name of Latvia and Kuldīga far into the world, showcasing our rich culture of string instrument playing and musical traditions.

 

Application for the competition will begin on November 15, 2024.