50th edition SJMW: The finale as a goal... and a new beginning

The preliminary rounds of the competition (Entrada) took place last March, with over a thousand young musicians from all over Switzerland taking part. The cities of Arbon, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Risch-Rotkreuz, Sion and Winterthur hosted an intense musical marathon event where soloists, duos and chamber music ensembles were able to present themselves to a jury of experts. The participants gave their best to win one of the coveted prizes that entitle them to take part in the next round.

The auditions were closely monitored by a 101-member jury, which conducted a total of 51 rounds of judging. The experts assessed the performances with great care and provided valuable feedback to help the young musicians progress on their artistic path. At the end of the Entrada, 621 prizes were awarded - including 71 first prizes with distinction and 181 first prizes.

The preliminary rounds in the Composition, FreeSpace and Jazz&Pop categories took place in digital form. 9 young composers, 1 artist in the FreeSpace category and 25 participants in the Jazz&Pop competition qualified for the final.

Finale: symbol of new artistic departures

There are stages in the lives of young musicians that mark a turning point - the finale of the SJMW is undoubtedly one of them. Not only the emotions on stage, but above all what this moment means remains in the memory: a first major milestone, an opportunity for real confrontation - and above all a starting point for new artistic impulses.

From May 1 to 4, 2025, Zurich will welcome the 287 finalists of the competition. These are young people who have mastered the challenges of the preliminary rounds with perseverance, talent and passion. For them, music is not just a discipline, but a language with which they express what often cannot be said with words.

For four days, the Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich will become a center of art, energy and exchange for the finalists: young people from all language regions of Switzerland will share their stories through performances that bridge eras and styles.

The final round of the Jazz&Pop category (Come Together) will also be part of this special weekend: The selected projects will perform on stage at the Mehrspur music club on May 3, 2025 - in an authentic club setting that offers space for spontaneity, groove and encounters.

But the final is much more than the final stage of the competition. It is a profound learning experience - you learn to listen to yourself and others, to accept constructive criticism and to see the stage as a place of togetherness, not just a touchstone. The encounters between the performances, the conversations in the corridors, the supportive looks among the participants - all this makes up the experience, which goes far beyond making music.

The juries will not only evaluate, but also recognize the potential, uniqueness and development of each individual. Every word received is a seed that continues to grow, every encounter a potential source of inspiration.

In a world that is spinning ever faster, the SJMW gives young people a special time: time to listen, to delve deeper and to dream. This is exactly what makes the finale an event with a view to the future - because it honors the past and focuses on what is yet to come.

Prizewinners' concert: Listening to the future of today

The highlight of the entire event will be the prizewinners' concert on May 4, 2025 - the glamorous conclusion of the final. The winners from a wide range of disciplines will take to the stage. Each of them brings not only technical excellence, but also the ability to touch with passion and authenticity.

As in previous years, the program will be varied and surprising: a sonic mosaic ranging from the finest chamber music to contemporary forms of expression.

For the audience, it is a unique opportunity to experience the most promising talents of the Swiss youth music scene live. For the young artists, it is an unforgettable moment: performing in front of an enthusiastic audience in a prestigious setting is a formative experience that can open up new artistic perspectives.

We cordially invite everyone - teachers, families, professionals and music lovers - to take part in this special event. The prizewinners' concert is not just a performance, but also an invitation to share the enthusiasm, commitment and vision of an entire generation of young people who look to the future with hope through their music.