Khachaturian International Competition: German cellist Cosima Regina Federle wins first prize

The 2026 edition of the Khachaturian International Competition focused on the cello and was held in Yerevan, Armenia from 6–13 June. The finalists performed with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.

First prize, along with $10,000 and a performance opportunity, was awarded to German cellist Cosima Regina Federle, 24. She also received a special prize for the best interpretation of a sonata in the second round of the competition.

The second prize of $5,000 went to Russian cellist Bogdan Efremov, 21, who also earned special prizes for the best performance of a Popper etude and the best interpretation of Khachaturian’s Sonata-Fantasy for solo cello.

Armenian cellist Artyom Ioanisyan, 23, received third prize and the audience award, along with a concert engagement with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The fourth prize, as well as a special award for the best interpretation of a solo cello work by Bach, was given to US cellist Miriam K. Smith, 19.

The jury was chaired by Levon Mouradian and included Victor Julien-Laferrière, Gregorio Nieto, Josephine Knight, Meehae Ryo, Martti Rousi, and Denis Severin.

According to The Strad, Federle is currently studying at the Berlin University of the Arts with Jens-Peter Maintz, after earlier studies with Peter Bruns at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Leipzig, as well as with Wolfgang Nüsslein and Hanno Simons. She has received several awards, including first prizes at the Domenico Gabrielli Cello Competition, the Lions Competition, and the International Dotzauer Competition; second prizes at the International Grunewald Competition and the International David Popper Competition; and third prize at the 2023 International Klaipėda David Geringas Cello Competition.

‘I am overwhelmed, I cannot put it into words – this was a very intense week, I’m also a bit exhausted I have to say, but I’m just extremely happy,’ said Federle after the results were announced. ‘It will take some time to digest it and really realise what just happened.’

‘I’m happy that all my passion, all my work, all the time and thought I put into the preparation and in my playing finally paid off.’

Founded in 2003 to mark the 100th anniversary of Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, the Khachaturian International Competition is held annually and alternates between piano, violin, cello, and conducting categories.