MANCHESTER, NH — April 21st, 2026 — Manchester Community Music School (MCMS) proudly announces that alumnus
Roric Cunningham has been invited to compete in the internationally renowned
Queen Elisabeth Competition in Berlin, one of the most respected competitions for classical musicians worldwide.Ahead of this major milestone, Cunningham will return to Manchester for a private rehearsal on Friday, April 24 at 7:30 PM in the MCMS recital hall, offering MCMS members a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the preparation process of an artist on the global stage.Cunningham’s journey began at MCMS, where he studied cello under faculty member
Harel Gietheim.
Through scholarships and financial assistance, he was able to access high-quality music education that shaped his artistic and professional path. He went on to study at The Juilliard School and, at just 23 years old, became one of the youngest musicians to join the Boston Symphony Orchestra.“Roric’s story is a powerful example of what access to high-quality music education can make possible,” said Polly Towner, Executive Director of MCMS. “He represents the very best of our community, and we are honored to continue supporting him as he prepares for this international stage.”The Queen Elisabeth Competition is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and prestigious competitions in the classical music world, launching the careers of many of today’s leading performers. Cunningham’s invitation places him among an elite group of emerging artists from around the globe.
For the 2026 cello edition of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, 66 cellists were selected to compete in the first public round, representing some of the most promising young artists from around the world. These musicians were chosen through an extremely competitive preselection process that narrowed the field from roughly 185 applicants between the ages of 18 and 30. From there, the competition unfolds across multiple rounds, ultimately narrowing down to just 12 finalists who perform with an orchestra in the final stage.
Roric’s return to MCMS highlights the school’s enduring commitment to its students beyond the classroom. Even after achieving international success, Cunningham continues to utilize the school’s spaces and mentorship as part of his ongoing artistic development.The April 24 rehearsal is open to supporters of MCMS, and community members are encouraged to attend and support a local artist representing Manchester on the world stage.
Manchester Community Music School has been changing lives through the power of learning, sharing, and making music for over 40 years. Serving students of all ages and backgrounds, MCMS provides lessons, ensembles, and community programs, as well as a nationally recognized music therapy program. Through a strong commitment to access and financial assistance, MCMS ensures that music education remains available to all. To support our mission visit:
mcmusicschool.org/donate. 
