The World’s Biggest Stage Concert - Competition

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 12:00 noon, four extraordinary young cellists will take the stage at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music for the thrilling Final Round of The World’s Biggest Stage Competition. Selected from an international pool of rising artists, these finalists will perform a movement from the newly composed Cello Sonata “The New World” by Julian Gargiulo, with movements assigned at random—adding an element of suspense and spontaneity to the afternoon. 

The performance will be live-streamed globally via The Violin Channel, connecting audiences worldwide to this high-stakes event. With the winner decided by a combined vote of audience members and a jury of previous winners, the concert promises passion, virtuosity, and drama. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the next generation of cello artistry.

Julian Gargiulo, piano
Masha Lakisova, violin
4 Cello Finalists TBA

J.S. BACH  –  Prelude in C Major
D. SCARLATTI  –  Sonata in C Major
F. CHOPIN  –  “Minute Waltz”
JULIAN GARGIULO  –  Violin Sonata No. 5 “The Hero’s Journey”, movement 1, ‘The Call’
J. GARGIULO  –  Violin Sonata No. 4 “From the Window”, movement 4, ‘The People’
J. GARGIULO  –  Cello Sonata No. 4 “The New World”

Photo Credit: Tina Ravitz