Youth music in focus: SJMW 2024
Once again this year, the SJMW opened the doors to a diverse sound panorama and became the setting for an unforgettable experience before the big 50th anniversary.
As we write these lines, the stages may have fallen silent, but the echoes of the emotions and vibrant melodies of Entrada and the 2024 live auditions continue to reverberate in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to experience this extraordinary event; it was a magical journey through the various nuances of youth art.
From the Classica Entrada to the live auditions
From March 22 to 24, six Swiss cities - Arbon, Hünenberg, Burgdorf, Winterthur, Geneva and Lugano - hosted a musical kaleidoscope for the Classica competition, which put the spotlight on the talent and passion for music of a total of 934 young musicians from our country. This included 701 participants in the solo category and 233 who competed in the chamber music section. With 373 registrations, the string solos dominated the scene. The harp also recorded a large participation with a total of 56 players. Although the piano was not represented in the solo category, with 46 participants for piano duos, this instrument was undoubtedly the protagonist in the chamber music category.
At the same time, the participants of the Jazz&Pop competition once again enlivened Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich from March 2 to 24, creating a musical dialog and a unique opportunity for sharing and discovery between the Swiss cities. Despite the lower number of participants compared to the Classica competition, the 105 musicians impressed with their impressive talent and high-quality performances. A total of 38 performances were judged, including 12 in the jazz category and 23 in the pop category, which enchanted the jury. The 13 participating bands, including 8 in the pop category, 3 in the jazz category and finally 2 in the large ensemble category, also delivered majestic and captivating performances.
The anticipation of the final of all competitions, planned for May 9-12, 2024 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is like an emotional crescendo, where all finalists will share the same stage and harmoniously unite the musical souls of Swiss youth. Afterwards, a world of opportunities will open up for the winners of each category through the funding program. From the opportunity to perform in public with renowned orchestras to experience in professional recording studios, this program, coveted by all participants, is an important first step towards the next level. chapter in the musical career of these up-and-coming talents.
The stage for musical innovations
The expert jury is currently examining the videos and compositions in the FreeSpace (5 entries) and Composition (20) competitions.
It is a time when creativity comes to life and unique, sometimes provocative works are created. The culmination of this creative trajectory will be reached on May 11, 2024 in La Chaux-de-Fonds with the live performances. This moment will become an artistic community where the public will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the young artists' boldest creations.
The SJMW always strives to be a beacon for musical diversity, where notes can dance across traditions. The open discipline "FreeSpace" is an invitation to unleash one's imagination and explore the unlimited potential of musical inspiration. Each participant is encouraged to bring transdisciplinary productions to the stage that explore improvised music and include original contributions that challenge artistic conventions. This opens the door to the universe of musical experimentation.
Next dates
CLASSICA - the finale
May 09 - 12, 2024
Jazz&Pop - Come Together
May 11, 2024
Live performance
May 11, 2024
Location for all finals:
La Chaux-de-Fonds,
Conservatoire de musique neuchâtelois
