A bridge between the generations

Every spring, Swiss youth music experiences a moment of particular intensity: talent meets commitment, passion meets discipline, and young people listen to themselves and to each other. It is a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of musical expression in our country at close quarters.

The SJMW Final 2025, which took place in Zurich from May 1 to 4, was a concentrated interplay of creativity, precision and inspiration. 326 young musicians from all parts of the country reached the final round. They competed in the Classica, Composition, FreeSpace and Jazz&Pop categories.

During three intensive days full of music and exchange, which were spread across the Zurich Conservatory music school, the Hirschengraben school building, the University of Zurich and the Mehrspur music club, 67 expert judges assessed the participants' performances. Once again, the exceptional quality of a competition that offers just as much to young artists as it does to the audience and the musical education landscape as a whole became apparent.

The figures for the Classica category speak for themselves: 36 first prizes with distinction, 94 first prizes, 112 second prizes and 58 third prizes were awarded. In the Composition and FreeSpace categories, 3 first prizes with distinction, 3 first prizes and 3 second prizes were awarded. In the Jazz&Pop category, 13 prizes were awarded.

As every year, the prizewinners' concert was the highlight of the finale. It took place on Sunday, May 4, in the Great Hall of the MKZ. In a festive atmosphere and in front of an enthusiastic audience, the young prizewinners impressed with their musical maturity and stage presence. The variety of the programs and the high technical level were just as impressive as the palpable joy of making music.

The concert, recorded by Radio SRF 2 Kultur, will be broadcast on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 4 pm in the program "Im Konzertsaal".

In addition to artistic excellence, the SJMW impresses every year with its ability to create community. Behind every performance are individual paths, committed teachers, supportive families and institutions that believe in music education. It is a world in motion, supported by invisible but strong networks.

Looking ahead: the 2026 edition and the 50th anniversary

Looking ahead, this much can already be revealed: The next final will once again take place in Zurich from April 30 to May 3, 2026. The Entrada prelims will be held in various Swiss cities from March 13 to 15.

But before this new chapter begins, the year 2025 has one more special event in store: On Saturday, September 13, the 50th anniversary of the SJMW will be officially celebrated at the Tonhalle Zurich.

A multifaceted and emotional celebration awaits guests - with concerts, encounters, an exhibition and the participation of prizewinners from five decades. The event kicks off with the children's concert "Die kleine Fräxli" in the Kleine Tonhalle under the direction of Fränzi Frick with our youngest prizewinners. There will be an exhibition on the history of the competition and a book launch in the concert foyer. The crowning anniversary concert will feature works by Johannes Brahms, Frank Martin and two important world premieres by Richard Dubugnon and Daniel Schnyder. They will be performed by the SJMW prizewinners and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich under the direction of David Bruchez. A musical jazz finale in the foyer will round off the day.

Fifty years is a significant milestone for any institution. For the SJMW, they are a living expression of an ongoing commitment to youth music - a cultural and social investment that has created inspiration, value and a future.