Cantonal Bernese Music Prize 2014 goes to Bernard Heiniger
Organist Bernard Heiniger receives the 2014 Music Prize of the Canton of Bern, which is endowed with CHF 20,000. The three recognition prizes of CHF 10,000 each go to the percussionist Julian Sartorius, the piano duo Huber/Thomet and the band Puts Marie.
The 72-year-old organist Bernard Heiniger is one of the great teachers and performers in the recent history of the Bernese organ, according to a statement from the canton of Bern. He has also sat on the examination board for countless competitions and conservatories, such as the Haute école de musique in Geneva and the international organ competition in Saint-Maurice d'Agaune.
Bernard Heiniger has performed as a soloist in many concerts throughout Switzerland and abroad. He has also made a name for himself as a duo partner of trumpeters Jack Jarmasson, Paul Falentin and Maurice Bernard, and has made several recordings with them. The recording of Jean Daetwyler's music together with the organist Hilmar Gertschen deserves special mention.
The cantonal music commission is awarding three recognition prizes of 10,000 francs each to other important musicians from Bern. According to the canton, percussionist Julian Sartorius explores his percussion like few others in his field, Susanne Huber and André Thomet have been performing together as a piano duo for years, and the band Puts Marie defy the usual conventions of pop music with their touching and colorful songs.
The musician and composer Robert Torche has been awarded the "Coup de cœur 2014" prize for young talent, worth CHF 3,000. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 3, at the Dampfzentrale in Bern.
