Rabat – For the first time since its launch in 2001, the international music competition of the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra (OPM) is placing the cello at the center of its 22nd edition, signaling a strategic evolution in both artistic direction and international positioning.
Scheduled from March 30 to April 4 across Casablanca and Rabat, this year’s competition is more than a celebration of classical music; it reflects Morocco’s growing ambition to position itself as a serious player on the global cultural stage.
The event will bring together high-level talent from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing its expanding international footprint.
The decision to spotlight the cello, a discipline often less represented in major competitions, demonstrates a deliberate move to diversify the platform while attracting a new generation of virtuosos.
Candidates from countries including Germany, Brazil, China, South Korea, and the United States will compete in a format designed to test both technical mastery and artistic depth.
Notably, the semi-finals at the Mohamed Zefzaf Cultural Complex will feature a rare format: participants will perform a concerto accompanied by a full orchestra, alongside a solo cello piece.
This structure, uncommon at this stage in international competitions, elevates the event’s prestige and offers candidates valuable professional exposure.
The final round, set at the iconic Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, will see finalists perform major concertos before a distinguished jury and live audience.
The competition will conclude with a winners’ concert, positioned as both a celebration of excellence and a showcase of emerging global talent.
Artistic leadership also reflects a blend of local and international expertise. Moroccan pianist and conductor Dina Bensaïd will lead the semi-finals, while Olivier Holt will conduct the final.
The jury, chaired by renowned cellist Xenia Janković, includes prominent figures such as composer Ahmed Essyad and internationally acclaimed cellists René Benedetti, Justus Grimm, Marie Hallynck, and Yovan Markovitch.
Beyond performance, accessibility remains a core pillar of the OPM’s strategy. All rounds will be open to the public, with free tickets available online.
Backed by the Ténor Foundation for Culture, the Ministry of Culture, and key national institutions, the competition aligns with a wider cultural policy focused on elevating artistic excellence while reinforcing Morocco’s soft power through the arts.
As the OPM competition evolves, this cello-focused edition marks a turning point, one that blends cultural diplomacy, talent development, and international visibility into a single, high-impact platform.
