From intimate chamber music to the thrilling sonority of twelve cellos filling the stage, this gala concert showcases the extraordinary breadth of the cello’s expressive world. The first half brings together two distinct artistic personalities in masterpieces of the Romantic repertoire: fresh from his First Prize triumph at the 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Ettore Pagano opens with Schumann’s poetic Fantasiestücke, followed by the legendary Gary Hoffman in Mendelssohn’s radiant Second Sonata, one of the pinnacles of the cello literature. Both artists are joined by acclaimed pianist Chloe Jiyeong Mun, whose refined musicianship brings equal lyricism, colour and brilliance to these two masterpieces. After the interval, the scale—and the excitement—grows. Festival artists join forces with the top three laureates of the 2026 Buchet International Cello Competition in ensembles of four and twelve cellos, offering the rare chance to experience internationally acclaimed soloists performing side by side with rising stars as one extraordinary ensemble. From Romantic virtuosity and Catalan folk tradition to the irresistible rhythms of Piazzolla, the evening builds towards a spectacular celebration of the emotions, energy and camaraderie that make the cello world unlike any other.