2 Euro BU

Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (1876–1965) came from the House of Wittelsbach and was married to King Albert I. She played the violin herself and promoted music, visual arts and science. Among others, she received violin lessons from Eugène Ysaÿe, a Belgian violinist, composer and conductor. Their shared interest in the training of young musicians led to the idea of an international competition.

The first edition was held under the name “Concours Eugène Ysaÿe”. Ysaÿe had died shortly beforehand, but had still contributed to the basic principles of the competition. Initially, it was aimed at violinists, and later also at pianists. The early prize-winners included the Soviet musicians David Oistrach and Emil Gilels. The Second World War interrupted the competition’s continuation. After it resumed, the competition received its present name in 1951 and has been held in Brussels ever since.

One of its distinctive features is the intensive final round. Within a limited period, the finalists prepare a work specially commissioned for the competition that has not previously been published. They live and work in isolation and without assistance from their teachers. In addition to violin and piano, further disciplines were later added, including singing and composition. The performances in the final round traditionally take place with an orchestra.

The competition is also connected with the Belgian monarchy and state-supported cultural patronage. After Elisabeth, Queen Fabiola assumed the honorary presidency; this role was later continued by Queen Mathilde. The recognition of young musicians and their international public profile are at the centre, rather than merely the awarding of prize money.

For Belgium, the anniversary therefore provided an occasion to commemorate a long-established cultural institution with a royal namesake and international participation. The choice of a circulation coin brought together music history, Belgian cultural policy and the role of the royal family in a single design.