Cellists Awarded at the Prague Spring International Music Competition

27-year-old Japanese cellist Yuya Mizuno was named as the winner, and will receive a cash prize, concert opportunities, and more

The 2025 edition of the Prague Spring International Music Competition, in the Czech Republic, has recently come to a close. Held annually, the competition alternates between different instruments, with the cello being the focus in 2025.

203 cellists applied to take part, and just three advanced to the final — in which they performed alongside the Prague Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marek Prášil in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum.

Japanese cellist Yuya Mizuno emerged as the winner, and he received a cash prize of CZK 250,000. He was also the recipient of the Viktor Kalabis and Zuzana Růžičková Prize ($1,500 plus potential future concert opportunities worth up to $8,500), the Prize of the City of Prague for the most successful laureate, and the Bärenreiter Prize (vouchers for Bärenreiter scores).

Mizuno will also receive a winner's performance at the 2026 edition of the festival.

Second prize (CZK 150,000) went to Till Schuler from Germany, while the Austrian cellist Alexandra Kahrer picked up Third Prize of CZK 100,000. She also won the Audience Prize and the Czech Music Foundation Prize.

In 2025, the jury comprised Raphael Wallfisch (chair), Maria Kliegel, Marc Coppey, Natalie Clein, Michal Kaňka, Tomáš Jamník, and Ľudovít Kanta.

"I think I speak on behalf of all my dear colleagues, we have spent fantastic ten days listening to extremely high standard of playing, of commitment, of passion, and of love of music and of our wonderful instrument, the cello," said Raphael Wallfisch.

"For everybody who has been lucky enough to play tonight, it is a prize enough just to play Dvořák in this great and historic space where Dvořák himself would listen to music."

"I am so grateful for this result and also for the opportunity to play Dvořák’sCello Concerto in the Dvořák Hall, in this historic and really beautiful place," said Yuya Mizuno. "And additionally, I received first prize, which really surprised me, and I was truly very happy to hear that."

"The ten days in Prague were truly incredible; everyone here is very kind. I am truly grateful for all the support I have received here, and I will do my best to give my all in the future."