Two duos with a first prize

Since the seventies, Switzerland has been ORPHEUS - Swiss Chamber Music Competition takes place. This competition is intended to support chamber music ensembles at the beginning of their professional careers.

This year's edition took place on the weekend of October 11 and 12 at the Basel University of Music. The five-member jury, headed by Bernese cellist and composer Thomas Demenga, selected six ensembles to take part in the Swiss Chamber Music Festival Adelboden 2014.

The top three winners received two prizes of CHF 4000 and one prize of CHF 2000. In addition, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia is funding a composition commission for each of them to a young composer. The three works will be performed on Swiss Chamber Music Festival Adelboden 2014 (September 12 to 21) will be premiered.

The award winners:

Two 1st prizes (Fr. 4000.- each)

• Duo Gregor-Smith - Graf: Benjamin Gregor-Smith (violoncello) and Aglaia Graf (piano)
• Duo Liamo: Mai Suzuki (violin) and Shintaro Kawahara (piano)

3rd prize (Fr. 2000.-)
Duo Càmara-Köhnken: Pablo Càmara Toldos (saxophone) and Camilla Köhnken (piano)

Other award winners:

• Duo Astrig & Andriy: Astrig Siranossian (violoncello) and Andriy Dragan (piano)
• GALAAD QUARTET: Simon Bouveret (violin), Charlotte Magnien (violin), Anais Renard (viola), Raphaël Abeille (violoncello)
•  Eromea Trio: Tania Ramos Morando (oboe), Yolanda Fernandes Anguita (clarinet), Miguel Angel Pérez Domingo (bassoon).