Walter Furrer Prize 2025
Open call for pianists studying in Europe
The Walter Furrer Förderverein is awarding a prize for the best interpretation of Walter Furrer’s Piano Variations (1926)
Open call
for pianists studying in Europe
The Walter Furrer Förderverein is awarding a prize for the best interpretation of Walter Furrer’s Piano Variations (1926)
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!
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!
Need-to-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 15 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.
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.
Need-to-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 15 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.
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.
Kaptein, Alexandra - HfMT Köln
Results
We are happy to announce the winners of the Walter Furrer Prize 2025!
A further special prize was awarded to:
Gomes Ferreira, Bruno - HKB Bern
Leshkin, Andrei - HEM Neuchâtel
We are happy to welcome the winners at their concerts: Pianolounge Aarau on 16 January 2026 and Elfenau ParkKultur Bern on 17 & 18 January 2026. The Special Prize winner will take part in the inaugural concert of the Walter Furrer Prize 2026 at the Kantonsschule Wohlen (AG) on 23 September 2026. See you there!
Concerts
Results
We are happy to announce the winners of the Walter Furrer Prize 2025!
Kaptein, Alexandra - HfMT Köln
Gomes Ferreira, Bruno - HKB Bern
A further special prize was awarded to:
Leshkin, Andrei - HEM Neuchâtel
Concerts
We are happy to welcome the winners at their concerts: Pianolounge Aarau on 16 January 2026 and Elfenau ParkKultur Bern on 17 & 18 January 2026. The Special Prize winner will take part in the inaugural concert of the Walter Furrer Prize 2026 at the Kantonsschule Wohlen (AG) on 23 September 2026. See you there!
