50 years of dedication to the promotion and development of young musicians
From the birth of a dream to the celebration of a legacy: half a century of music, inspiration and unforgettable encounters for children and young musical talents.
In the heart of Switzerland in 1975, where musical traditions met a lively quest for innovation, a dream was born that would last half a century: the Swiss Youth Music Competition (SJMW). With an ambitious goal, the then director of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Gerd Albrecht, wanted to create a national platform for young musical talents to express themselves, receive valuable feedback from a top-class jury and - above all - "to recognize their place in the national comparison". This environment for promoting talent has always captivated generations of musicians.
An ally for life
From the very beginning, the SJMW was aimed at children and young people in the field of classical music - a revolutionary idea at a time when music competitions were mainly reserved for adults. Since the first edition, the competition has attracted young musical talent from all over Switzerland and provided an inspiring environment for artistic growth.
Over time, the SJMW has expanded its disciplines to include new forms of musical expression - from composition to jazz and music technology. Its goal remains to enable young talents to live their passion to the full in order to let their artistic fire shine.
One particularly valuable aspect of the SJMW is the strong sense of community it creates. Participants from different backgrounds come together to compete with each other, but also to learn from and inspire each other. Music becomes a common language, as Nadia Boulanger put it: "Music knows no boundaries, only encounters" - and these encounters form the basis for the success of the SJMW, which has created lifelong artistic partnerships.
In 50 years, the SJMW has been the springboard for many of today's world-famous musicians. But even those who have not stayed in music carry on the values of the competition - discipline, dedication and creativity. Zoltán Kodály said: "Music not only forms the heart, but also the character" - a legacy embodied by the SJMW.
"Impulses for a whole life"
This is the motto of the 50th anniversary, which underlines the lasting impact of the SJMW on thousands of children and young people: an impulse that is anchored in the life choices, character and values of the participants.
The anniversary will be celebrated on September 13, 2025 at the Tonhalle Zurich. The event will kick off with a children's concert by young prizewinners, followed by a jazz concert by former winners. An interactive exhibition will bring the history of the competition to life. An anniversary publication will also present portraits of former prizewinners.
The highlight is a gala concert in the Great Hall of the Tonhalle. The Tonhalle Orchestra, conducted by David Bruchez, will accompany former winners as soloists. Two world premieres composed especially for the event by Daniel Schnyder and Richard Dubugnon round off the program.
50 years is a milestone, but also a promise for the future. The SJMW is committed to looking to the future, in the spirit of the words of our compatriot Yehudi Menuhin: "If the future teaches us anything, it is that music will never cease to unite." The competition will continue to be an important focal point for young musical talents from all over Switzerland in order to promote their talent and enrich our musical culture.