The 23-year-old cellist wins €15,000 and an invitation to perform at the Enescu Festival

Marcel Johannes Kits 2

Marcel Johannes Kits.
Photo: Alex Damian

The Estonian cellist Marcel Johannes Kits has won first prize in the cello category of the George Enescu International Competition after a final in which he performed Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No 1 in E flat major in front of a jury including David Geringas and Raphael Wallfisch.

The 23-year-old cellist, who is studying at the Berlin University of the Arts with Prof. Jens Peter Maintz, will receive €15,000, along with the chance to perform at the Enescu Festival.

The second prize went to Yibai Chen (China) and the third prize went to Stanislas Kim (France), who will receive €10,000, and €5,000 respectively.

Held biennially in Bucharest, Romania, the George Enescu International Competition focuses on four disciplines: violin, cello, piano and composition. The second round of the violin competition concludes today.