Success for cellists Yi-I Stephanie Yang and Jurre Koopmans at the Cello Biennale
10 November 2026
Master’s student Yi-I Stephanie Yang and alum Jurre Koopmans from the Royal Conservatoire The Hague have won prizes at the Cello Biennale in Amsterdam. During the final on Friday 6 November, Jurre won second prize and Stephanie took third place. Jurre also received the Audience Prize and the prize for the best performance of the commissioned composition by Karmit Fadael.
Yi-I Stephanie Yang
Taiwanese cellist Yi-I Stephanie Yang is currently studying for a master’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire, under Michel Strauss and Jan-Ype Nota. Stephanie previously completed a master’s degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston. She has performed with the Baden-Baden Philharmonie and appeared at Carnegie Hall as a member of the New York String Orchestra Seminar.
Jurre Koopmans
Jurre Koopmans began studying cello with Lucia Swarts at the School for Young Talent when he was nine. In 2020, Jurre started a bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire, studying with Larissa Groeneveld. Jurre graduated in 2024 with the highest possible mark (10) and a distinction for 'highly convincing musicianship, authentic playing and great dedication to the craft'. Jurre is now studying for a master’s degree with Pieter Wispelwey at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
First prize in the Cello Biennale Competition went to Michal Riefeld.
