Korean cellist Kim Tae-yeon claims second prize at Queen Elisabeth Competition

Korean cellist Kim Tae-yeon won second prize in the cello division of the 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition, which concluded Saturday in Brussels, according to the Kumho Cultural Foundation on Sunday.

Kim will receive a cash prize of 20,000 euros ($23,300).

First prize was awarded to Ettore Pagano of Italy, while Leland Ko of the US and Canada took third place.

The 2026 competition, dedicated to the cello, was open to cellists ages 18 to 30.

Out of 185 applicants worldwide, 64 advanced from video ...