The final of the 48th Schweizerischer Jugendmusikwettbewerb (SJMW) CLASSICA, Composition and FreeSpace took place from May 18th to 21st at the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana in Lugano. 341 young musicians from all regions of Switzerland were able to present their skills and their music to top-class jurors for three days. A total of 231 prizes were awarded for solo and chamber music in a variety of instrumental categories. The event culminated on Sunday in a high-quality concert by the award winners.
The SJMW’s important contribution to promoting musical talent in Switzerland was also evident at the Come Together, the final round of the Jazz&Pop competition. On Sunday, April 16, 18 talented young musicians performed at the Kanzlei Club Zurich and presented their programs to the enthusiastic audience and the expert jury.
Participating in a music competition means – for young and old alike – playing what you have learned, giving a short concert and presenting oneself with music. Preparing for this is perhaps the most important part. It involves discovering the music, identifying and overcoming obstacles, exploring instrumental or vocal technique and recognizing one’s limitations and then expanding them. The way in which you, young musicians, deal with all this is admirable in itself. The audition itself on the day of the competition once again requires particular courage: the courage to play freely, the courage of expressing one’s personality, the courage, as well, to come to terms with small or large disappointments. So: our respect for all those who enter a music competition!
Each performance is judged by a jury that operates in a differentiated way based on a complex system with a very diverse catalog of criteria. They are thus taken into consideration: musicality, presence, sensitivity, sonority, fidelity to the text, stylistic confidence, technical, rhythmic mastery and intonation, stamina and tuning.
In the SJMW, the jury uses a scoring system that ensures a balanced score. The competition is committed to fairness. It maintains and expects respect for the performance of all its participants. One thing is certain: the goal and focus of the competition is music.
Source: SJMW
