Concours de Genève

The Secrets of a Successful and Internationally Renowned Music Competition

Founded in 1939, Concours de Genève is one of the world’s leading international music competitions. PAY speaks to Didier Schnorhk, Secretary General of Concours de Genève, about the competition’s ethos and what participants can expect to gain from its prestigious journey.

Concours de Genève aims at discovering, promoting, and supporting young talented artists, giving them the necessary tools to launch an international career.

“Its philosophy is essentially generalist,” says Schnorhk. “It is multidisciplinary, open to all, and does not favour any particular composer or style. The competition is looking for talented musicians and artists with strong personalities who will be able to bring music to life for the audiences of tomorrow.”

Within the world of international music competitions, a multi-disciplinary approach is rare and represents one of the Concours de Genève’s most distinctive assets. Since its creation in 1939, 26 disciplines have been presented: instrumental, vocal, ensemble music or conducting.Today, the Competition alternates between eight main disciplines: piano, flute, clarinet, cello, viola, string quartet, voice and percussion. Every second year, it offers composition.

Although it is one of the oldest and most famous music competitions in the world, Concours de Genève is nevertheless open to modernity. Whilst many prestigious competitions of its kind get stuck in repetition, Concours de Genève encourages risk-taking, open repertoires and freedom of programming.

“This modernity is also reflected in the introduction of a very special round in the competition: the presentation of a personal artistic project,” explains Schnorhk. “Semi-finalists are asked to present a project of their own to the jury (thematic concert, interdisciplinary project, commissioned work, name it…) which, if they win, could be fully realized with the help of the competition.”

It is clear that the artistic talents of each performer are nurtured and supported through the rounds of the competition, allowing for excitement and personal growth, and therefore showcasing the best results for audiences and artists alike.

“Indeed, we devote a great deal of time and energy to talking to our laureates, examining their proposals and guiding them in their choices,” says Schnorhk. “We believe that it is not our responsibility to tell them what is right or wrong, but to help them choose by making them aware of the issues facing the music world.

Our aim is to leave our prize-winners when they are launched on the career ladder. But of course, this step is very different in each case. For some it happens quickly, for others it never happens – or rather what happens is not necessarily what we had imagined. But in the end it doesn’t matter: what matters is that they can build a career that suits them and in which they can flourish as individuals and as artists.”

There are countless advantages and rewards for participants of the competition, and as well as cash prizes of up to 20,000 CHF, winners also get to take part in the career development programme.

“The career development programme is made up of several elements,” explains Schnorhk.
“Firstly, concerts and tours: we work with many festivals in Europe and some others in Asia (Japan and Korea mainly) or in America. Secondly, personalised coaching, i.e. discussions, exchange, advice on orientation and choice of programme, etc. Thirdly, technical or professional support: this includes administrative help, project management assistance, marketing and image advice. And lastly, professional training workshops to which prize-winners are invited. Here we talk about everything that makes up the life of an artist, i.e. image, communication, building artistic projects, health, contracts, etc. We also invite renowned professionals and organise individual or group workshops.

The Concours de Genève’s Prize-winners also win the right to two years’ service from the Sartory Artists concert agency, which is a partner of our competition. They receive concert offers – regardless of whether they win 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize, but also genuine personalised coaching, to help them build the start of their careers.”

It is wonderful to see such a multi-faceted music competition, where risks and challenges are encouraged, where inspiration and expression take countless forms, and where performers can feel safe and seen in their artistic journey.