Concours Géza Anda

Concours Géza Anda 2024

This competition is of an incredibly high level. It was very difficult for me to vote this time because I thought that almost every participant had something to say, said it in her or his own way, and in a way that was very valid. So it was very hard to think of them as competing between one another.
The Concours Géza Anda particularly helps young pianists, also after the competition: they are offered a lot of concerts, and three years of management, that is quite extraordinary and I think most wonderful.
Martha Argerich, Jury Member 2024

The 16th Concours Géza Anda was carried out between 30th May und 8th June 2024 in Zurich and Winterthur. It was open to participants from all countries who are born after 30th May 1992.

The Mozart Semi-Final with Musikkollegium Winterthur was conducted by Mikhail Pletnev, the Final Concert with Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich by Paavo Järvi

The Competition

Among the countless competitions, the Concours Géza Anda is a unique and extraordinary institution in international comparison – and this is not only due to the high-ranking jury, which is staffed with outstanding representatives of the music world. What is special about the Concours Géza Anda is above all that the representative act of the final concert and the considerable prize money are not enough. The Géza Anda Foundation commits itself to the winners to accompany them as a mentor for three years and, among other things, to provide performance opportunities.

The traditional course of events:

1st Round: Audition (max. 25 minutes)

2nd Round: Recital (max. 55 minutes)

Mozart-Semi-Final (with orchestra)

Final Concert (with orchestra)

The repertoire is committed to the legacy of Géza Anda and specified for each competition.

To have been given the possibility and permission to carry out the Concours Géza Anda in the year of the magnificent pianist Anda’s 100th birthday in spite of a series of difficulties and restrictions because of the worldwide situation created by the pandemic is a particular fortunate stroke of luck. All of those who had been entrusted with the preparation and implementation of the contest operated with the highest degree of professionality and at the same time with an admirable sensitivity. As a consequence, the members of the jury were able to concentrate fully on evaluating the artistic achievements of the young contestants. My best wishes shall accompany the laureates throughout their endeavours to achieve their goals after having exhibited during this competition an exceptionally high level as responsibly acting performers.

Gerhard Oppitz, President of the Jury 2021