About us
The Géza Anda Foundation was created in 1978 by Hortense Anda-Bührle (1926-2014) in memory of her husband, the Hungarian-Swiss pianist Géza Anda.
Its aim is to promote young, talented pianists in the musical spirit of Géza Anda. The Géza Anda-Foundation has held an international piano competition in Zurich every three years since 1979. The Concours Géza Anda is a unique, extraordinary institution among the countless competitions that exist on the international scene today – and not just because of its distinguished jury, which comprises outstanding members of the music world. The Concours Géza Anda goes beyond organising its prestigious final concert and awarding significant monetary prizes. The Géza Anda Foundation is committed to mentoring its winners for three years and also to providing them with concert engagements.
In addition, the Foundation engages in the support of young pianists by organising numerous other projects.
Members of the Géza Anda-Foundation Board
Prof. Tobias Richter, President
Gratian Anda
Barbara Bodmer-Wolfensberger
Theodor Guschlbauer
Irinia Nikitina Haefliger
Ilona Schmiel
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Rathert
Office
Markus Wyler, M.A., Secretary General
Belina Kostadinova, Chargée de Mission
Jan Golch, M.A., Project Management
Géza Anda-Foundation
Bleicherweg 18
8002 Zurich
Projects
In addition to organising the Concours Géza Anda international piano competition every three years in Zurich, the Géza Anda Foundation is also involved in other ways in promoting young pianists and, in particular, in enabling the laureates of previous competitions to present themselves to the public. This includes numerous projects and events which are arranged with various partners.
Private Partners
This is a well-known tradition of the Concours Géza Anda: from the beginning, host families played an integral part of the Concours Géza Anda, and it is difficult to describe their significance adequately. Young pianists from all over the world travel to Zurich to take part in an extremely demanding contest. Naturally, this brings about much uncertainty, nervousness, even anxiety. Our host families offer all kinds of support, a firm base during their stay, and more than anything else, a home. Many laureates still speak of how they were received and looked after in Zurich. Often lifelong friendships ensued.
We would like to thank the host families, many of which have supported us faithfully for decades, from the depth of our heart.
At the same time, we would love to extend this circle of wonderful people and encourage you to join! Why don’t you write to info@geza-anda.ch. Possession of a piano for practicing is not a condition.