George Enescu Competition: Six cellists reach semifinals

Six young cellists from the United States, South Korea, China, and Switzerland have qualified for the cello section semifinals of the 2026 George Enescu International Competition. The semifinalists, following initial stages at the National University of Music in Bucharest, include Joshua Kováč (USA), Sanghyeok Park (South Korea), Seojin Jung (South Korea), Ziyang Zhao (China), Samuel Niederhauser (Switzerland), and Goeunsol Heo (South Korea).

The semifinals will take place on Saturday, September 5, at the Romanian Athenaeum. The event features a new format called ‘Play & Conduct,’ where competitors must perform while simultaneously conducting the ensemble. This challenge is designed to test musical maturity, communication, and artistic vision alongside technical virtuosity.

The day is divided into two parts: a morning session featuring George Enescu’s Sonata No. 2 for cello and piano, and an afternoon session where contestants perform with the Radio Chamber Orchestra and guest concertmaster Bogdan Zvorișteanu.