The George Enescu International Competition is grateful to continue its close collaboration with the Vevey Spring Classic, a partnership that offers its laureates valuable opportunities for international exposure and artistic development. This year, we are especially proud that cellist Benjamin Kruithof, winner of the 2022 edition of the competition, has been invited to perform at the Vevey Spring Classic by its Co-Artistic Directors, Wilson Hermanto and Daniel Müller-Schott. His presence stands as a strong testament to the role this partnership plays in supporting the next generation of musicians. Over the years, this collaboration has created meaningful bridges between the two platforms, contributing to the international careers of young artists. Pianist Yeon-Min Park, winner of the 2021 edition, is another example of a musician whose career has benefited from this connection. 

Built on shared values of excellence, mentorship, and international exchange, this partnership fosters a dynamic environment in which young musicians can perform alongside established artists and gain essential professional experience. Through such initiatives, the George Enescu International Competition and the Vevey Spring Classic reaffirm their commitment to nurturing talent and building lasting connections across the global musical community.

Cristina Uruc
Manager of ARTEXIM and Executive Director of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition

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The Vevey Spring Classic is proud to continue an ongoing artistic partnership with the George Enescu International Competition with this joined announcement of the Luxembourgish cellist Benjamin Kruithof being selected as the young cello prodigy invited to participate in the 5th edition of the festival in May 2026.

Benjamin Kruithof will work closely with Vevey Spring Classic Co-Artistic Director Daniel Müller-Schott and be featured in various chamber music concerts to perform alongside Daniel Müller-Schott, Veronika Eberle, Máté Szücs and other wonderful musicians.

Since winning the cello category 1st prize of the George Enescu International Competition in 2022, Benjamin Kruithof has given debuts at the Alte Oper Frankfurt, Heidelberger Frühling Festival, etc. As a soloist he has appeared with among others the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, etc. Among the highlights of the current 2025/26 season is Benjamin Kruithof‘s performance of Elgar Cello Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2026. 

The Vevey Spring Classic was founded with a core vision to provide an exclusive mentoring platform for a selective highly talented young musicians. In a symbiosis of a shared vision, we strive in our motto “Mentoring the Future of Classic” to work closely with the George Enescu International Competition to support Benjamin Kruithof on his artistic development as a cellist and musician.

Both Daniel Müller-Schott and I are looking forward to developing other fruitful collaborations with Cristina Uruc and her team of the George Enescu International Competition into the good future.

Welcome Benjamin Kruithof to the family of Vevey Spring Classic in 2026 !

Wilson Hermanto
Co-Artistic Director Vevey Spring Classic