The Suggia International Prize / Casa da Música is a biennial competition of the Casa da Música Foundation that celebrates the talent and international impact of the Porto-born cellist Guilhermina Suggia. Aimed at young cellists up to the age of 26, the Prize promotes technical and musical excellence, projecting emerging performers onto the national and international artistic scene.

Held at Casa da Música in Porto, the competition stands out for its free registration and unrestricted repertoire. The finalists perform with the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, offering a high-level artistic experience on one of Europe’s most iconic stages.

To formalize the application, the candidate must complete the application form and send it by e-mail to [email protected] by April 20. In addition to the duly completed and signed form, the candidate must submit a photograph, a CV and the scores of the works to be presented. Careful reading and analysis of the Regulations is indispensable.

Guilhermina Suggia (1885–1950) was one of the most extraordinary cellists of her generation and a defining figure in both Portuguese and European musical history. Born in Porto, she established herself from a very young age as an exceptional performer, studying with masters such as Julius Klengel and developing a remarkable international career, with appearances in major concert halls across Europe. Known for her intense sound, refined technique, and singular artistic personality, Suggia became a symbol of excellence, determination, and modernity, paving the way for future generations of cellists. The Prize that bears her name celebrates her legacy and the profound impact she left on the world of the cello.

The Suggia Prize has been held at Casa da Música since 2009 and has since brought together around 60 young cellists from across Europe. In every edition, performers highlight the unique opportunity the competition offers, as well as the exceptional artistic and human environment they encounter at Casa da Música.

Previous Winners

2024 – Lionel Martin (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Switzerland)

2022 – Konstanze Pietschmann (HMT Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Leipzig)

2019 – Elia Cohen Weissert (Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles)

2017 – Jonas Palm (Mozarteum Salzburg) | Nadja Reich (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Switzerland)

2015 – Stéphanie Huang (Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles)

2013 – Ivan Karizna (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et Danse de Paris)

2011 – Michael Petrov (Help Musicians, U.K.)

2009 – Konstanze von Gutzeit (Universität der Künste Berlin)

Jury of the 9th Edition 2026:
Maria de Macedo (Spain) – President
Jed Barahal (United States of  América)
Varoujan Bartikian (Armenia)

Contact: The Prize Organization is available to candidates and schools at [email protected]