Get ready for a musical showdown like no other! The viola takes center stage at the 2025 Concours de Genève, marking its first edition since 2005, and the anticipation is palpable. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any competition—it's a celebration of the viola's rich history and a platform for the next generation of virtuosos. And this is the part most people miss: the viola, often overshadowed by its string siblings, finally gets its moment to shine.
The festivities kick off tonight with an opening concert that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Tabea Zimmermann, the 2025 jury chair and a former Concours de Genève winner herself, joins forces with the Novo Quartet, the triumphant ensemble from the 2023 string quartet edition. Starting at 7 PM on November 4th at Salle Franz Liszt, the evening will feature the Novo Quartet performing Haydn’s String Quartet in D minor, op.103 and Smetana’s String Quartet no.1 ‘From my life’. Zimmermann, paired with pianist Thomas Hoppe, will deliver a recital showcasing works by Robert and Clara Schumann, Brahms, Yedid, and Joachim. It’s a program that blends timeless classics with lesser-known gems, offering something for every classical music enthusiast.
But the real drama begins with the competition itself. Eight semi-finalists, selected from an initial online round earlier this year, will battle it out from November 6 to 9 at the Geneva Conservatory. Here’s the lineup of rising stars you won’t want to miss:
- Alessandra Yang, 21, US
- Ayaka Taniguchi, 23, Japan
- Brian Isaacs, 25, US
- Emad Zolfaghari, 21, Canada
- Eric Seohyun Moon, 28, Korea
- Kinga Wojdalska, 26, Poland
- Sarah Strohm, 20, Switzerland
- Wassili Wohlgemuth, 24, Germany
These talented musicians will face a three-part semi-final challenge: a Solo Recital, Chamber Music performance, and an Artistic Project, each designed to test their technical prowess, creativity, and versatility. The selected finalists will then advance to the grand finale on November 12th at Victoria Hall, where they’ll perform a concerto alongside the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by Cornelius Meister. But here’s where it gets controversial: with such a diverse group of competitors, who will emerge as the winner? And more importantly, what does it take to redefine excellence in viola performance today?
The stakes are high, with the first prizewinner taking home CHF20,000 (£17,600), followed by CHF12,000 (£10,500) and CHF8,000 (£7,050) for second and third place, respectively. Yet, the cash prizes are just the beginning. A slew of special awards, including the Audience Prize, Students’ Prize, Rose-Marie Huguenin Prize, Arts Society Prize, Concerts de Jussy Prize, and Hindemith Prize, offer additional recognition, cash, and coveted concert engagements. These prizes not only honor exceptional talent but also open doors to future opportunities in the competitive world of classical music.
This year’s jury, led by Zimmermann, is a who’s who of viola and chamber music luminaries: Tomoko Akasaka, Ettore Causa, Pauline Sachse, Cynthia Phelps, Jean Sulem, and German Tcakulov. Their collective expertise ensures a fair and rigorous evaluation process, but it also raises a thought-provoking question: How do personal interpretations and stylistic preferences influence judging in such a subjective art form?
Held annually since 1939, the Concours de Genève alternates disciplines, featuring piano, flute, clarinet, cello, viola, string quartet, voice, and percussion, with composition offered every other year. The viola edition, first held in 1942 and won by Paul Doktor, has a storied history. Zimmermann herself claimed the top prize in 1982, while the last viola edition in 2005 saw Ukrainian violist Maxim Rysanov and US violist Jennifer Stumm share second place. As we look back on this legacy, one can’t help but wonder: What innovations or traditions will this year’s competitors bring to the forefront?
Whether you’re a seasoned classical music aficionado or a curious newcomer, the 2025 Concours de Genève viola edition promises to be an event to remember. So, mark your calendars, tune your ears, and join the conversation. What do you think it takes to stand out in a competition like this? And who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments—we can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
