Walter Furrer Prize 2025

Walter Furrer Prize 2025

Written in Paris after his years of study with Nadia Boulanger (1887–1979), the Piano Variations (1926) by the German-born Swiss composer Walter Furrer (1902–1978) reflects cultivated European musical traditions and, in our opinion, represents a milestone for future generations of musicians to discover. The world premiere took place in January 2025, performed by Ilya Shmukler, winner of the Concours Géza Anda 2024.

And now it is your turn: apply for the Walter Furrer Prize 2025!

⬇️ Application form further below ⬇️

Need-do-Know

Who can apply?

Pianists of all nationalities enrolled as students at music universities across Europe.

What we offer

A total prize fund of CHF 5000 and three solo piano concerts in Switzerland from 16 to 18 January 2026, with accommodation and travel expenses covered.

Auditions

The auditions will take place in two rounds: The video preselection (application until 1 August 2025) and the live audition at the Hochschule der Künste Bern in Switzerland (1 November 2025).

Winners concerts

Results will be announced on 7 November 2025. The winner’s concerts in Switzerland will take place from 16 to 18 January 2026.

Jury

- Cristina Marton-Argerich

- Andreas Frölich

- Igor Andreev

Costs

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs for the audition in Bern. The application fee of CHF 50 must be paid by bank transfer before the application deadline.