Swiss Wind Band Association Presents Awards
In Marin-Epagnier, Neuchâtel, the Swiss Wind Band Association presented its 2026 Swiss Windband Awards. A total of four first prizes were awarded.
In the Percussion Classic category, Victor Sparleanu from Zug took first place ahead of Mauro Wigger (LU) and Aaron Tschopp (BE), while Leo Aschwanden from Zurich won the Percussion Modern category.
In the Wind Instruments category, Célestine Crelier from Alle (JU) was named the 2026 winner on the flute in the woodwind category. She prevailed over Juliette Duay (flute, LU) and Corine Schnyder (clarinet, LU). Nathan Goumaz from Châtonnaye (FR) secured victory in the brass instruments category on the euphonium. Additional podium spots went to Antoine Zeiter (euphonium, VS) and Florin Messmer (bass trombone, SG).
The Swiss Army Symphony Wind Orchestra, conducted by Carlo Balmelli, accompanied the six soloists in the Wind Instruments category. The juries consisted of Iwan Jenny, Yves Kolly, and Laurent Zufferey for the percussionists, and Isabelle Ruf-Weber, Felix Hauswirth, and Oliver Waespi for the wind players.
The Swiss Wind Band Association (SBV) is an umbrella organization that brings together 29 member and partner associations as well as nearly 2,000 wind bands. With a total of approximately 54,000 active musicians, the SBV is the largest amateur cultural association in Switzerland.
