Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals
Official award medal, 5722-1961

Pablo Casals (1876-1973) born in Catalonia, Spain, stood out, while still a youth, as a gifted-composer-conductor. At the age of 23 he was appointed a full professor at the Barcelona Conservatory. Within a short time Pablo Casals achieved fame as one of the outstanding cellists in the world. The third international Violoncello Competition, held in Jerusalem, bearing Casals' name, was graced by the maestro's presence.

Obverse: In the center in an incuse square, an image of Casals in half tone holding a cello. The lower right of the square is draped by an olive branch. Around the rim the inscription "The Third Pablo Casals International Violoncello Competition 1961", in English.

Reverse: in the center a cello standing upright partly hidden to the left by a panel encasing the State emblem. Around the rim an inscription, "The Third Pablo Casals International Violoncello Competition 5722", in Hebrew.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear the word "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Sterling" in English.

Designer: Joseph Bass.

Engraving: Kretschmer.

Mint: Kretschmer.