The British cellist received the cash prize and an accompanying sculpture in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cello and its repertoire

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Photo: Foppe Schut

Steven Isserlis (right) with Anne Plaizier, chair of the supervisory board of the Cello Biennale Amsterdam

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Steven Isserlis was given the Anner Bylsma Award on 4 November 2026, following his performance at the Cello Biennale Amsterdam.

The award consists of a sculpture by the artist Elena Beelaerts van Blokland and a cash prize of €50,000, to be used for education and talent development.

The Anner Bylsma Award is an honorary award given every four years to an individual or organisation that has shown exceptional merit for the cello and its repertoire.

Isserlis received the award in recognition for his efforts to play lesser-performed works, as well as his educational activities.

Previous recipients of the award are Jean-Guihen Queyras (2022), Giovanni Sollima (2018) and Anner Bylsma in the award’s inaugural year of 2014.