SJMW anniversary at the Tonhalle Zurich

"How is the Swiss Youth Music Competition doing?" Gerd Albrecht, chief conductor of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich from 1975 to 1980 and founder of the Swiss Youth Music Competition (SJMW)would have received a gratifying answer if he had been able to attend the anniversary matinee at the Tonhalle Zurich on September 13. The question of how the SJMW was doing was always at the top of the agenda for their meetings, recalled Bobby Keller, the then Commercial Director of the Tonhalle Orchestra and now Honorary President of the SJMW. While the initial focus was on promoting young talent for Swiss orchestras, the competition has adapted to developments in musical life and opened up accordingly. What has remained the same is the quality of the support, which focuses on the jury's discussions with the competition participants, their teachers and parents.

The competition showed its best side this morning. Speakers paid tribute to its development and significance. The commemorative publication designed for the occasion offered a successful snapshot of the SJMW from the perspectives of various players. And the focus was, of course, on the music. Current and former prizewinners from four decades were presented in a Program which was held together in its diversity by a fine tonal thread and thus represented the entire range of variation of the SJMW. Supposed contrasts were obsolete; the focus was solely on the music.

Finally, there was one piece of news: The new President of the Foundation Board from 2016 will be the current President of the Tonhalle Society, Martin Vollenwyder. This brings the competition a little closer to its starting point.

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