Successfully held competitions

The reports provided by the teams in the two competitions are published below in abridged form.

The 20th edition of the Eastern Switzerland Soloist and Ensemble Competition (September 5/6, 2020) should have been crowned with a big anniversary celebration. But the coronavirus has shattered all these plans. Thanks to the current situation and the great efforts of the organizers to comply with the protection concepts of the municipality and canton, the competition could be successfully held in Sirnach. Around 600 soloists and ensembles faced the judges at the weekend. For the competition participants, everything went as usual: playing in, the competition performance and finally the ranking announcement. But the whole "trappings" were completely different. There was no marquee, no festival benches and tables. There were only a few chairs in the performance halls to ensure social distancing. Wearing a mask was recommended. This was a very special feeling for the organizers and the audience, because before Corona, only full auditoriums were known.

The OSEW is very popular with both music teachers and pupils, as shown by the ever-increasing number of registrations. This year in particular, it is very pleasing that so many young people have enrolled despite the difficult circumstances. Some even traveled from central Switzerland or the canton of Bern. However, most of them came from the cantons of Zurich, St. Gallen, Thurgau and Appenzell. A sign that music is an important element in life and brings joy and motivation even in difficult times.
 

Photo: OSEW

The youngest OSEW participant, Julia Christen, took two podium places in the xylophone and snare drum categories

The ranking announcements were spread throughout the day. Participants and their families found this very convenient. This meant they didn't have to wait until the evening to receive the trophy they had been waiting for. "The standard of these girls and boys is really high," said one of the judges, impressed. Thanks to the numerous volunteers, everything ran smoothly.

The Board is already working on the OSEW 2021. The organizers are very keen to expand and rejuvenate the board and the music committee. Many of the current members have been involved since the association was founded and would like to hand over the reins to younger people.
 

Despite the school closures due to the coronavirus situation during the preparation period, a large number of percussionists prepared for and took part in the second Swiss Percussion Competition (September 19/20, 2020). Thanks to a very good hygiene concept and all the prescribed safety measures, this year's competition went off without a hitch.

Participants from all parts of Switzerland and neighboring countries faced the top-class jury (Gerhard Eberl, Iwan Jenny, Jochen Schorer, Andreas Csok, Marta Klimasara, Christian Hartmann, Emmanuel Séjourné) at the Teuchelweiher multi-purpose facility in Winterthur. 270 young participants in the categories children, advanced, elite and students played drum set, timpani, drums, all mallet instruments and other percussion instruments both solo and in various ensembles.

Several tons of percussion instruments had to be provided for the entire competition. This was possible thanks to many helpers. On the day of the competition, they were able to see for themselves that the great effort they had put in was worthwhile for the young people and the budding musicians. The many visitors also greatly appreciated all the effort. The organizers received a lot of praise throughout.

The great success is an incentive for the President of the Swiss Percussion Competition, Simon Forster from Winterthur, himself a professional percussionist, to organize the next competition on 18/19 September 2021, which will also take place in Winterthur again.