Balik Farm Prize

The Balik Farm Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy. The winner receives the opportunity to record a video, generously sponsored by Balik Farm Switzerland, to help launch their international music career. In 2023, the jury was composed of prestigious figures including Peter G. Rebeiz, President of Balik Farm Switzerland, violinist Kolja Blacher, violist Antoine Tamestit, cellist Gary Hoffman and board member of the Villars Institute Foundation Richard McDonald .

August 18, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater

The final of the 1st Balik Farm Prize competition took place on Friday, August 18th at 7:30 pm in the Villars Palace Theater. The Balik Farm Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy. This year, the jury was composed of prestigious figures including Peter G. Rebeiz, Chairman and CEO of Caviar House Airport Premium and President of Balik Farm Switzerland, violinist Kolja Blacher, violist Antoine Tamestit, cellist Gary Hoffman and board member of the Villars Institute Foundation Richard McDonald. Whilst listening to this exceptional competition, the audience were also given an active role by voting for their preferred candidate.

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We are thrilled to announce violinist Aoi Saito as the winner of the 2023 Balik Farm Prize. Aoi now has the opportunity to record a CD and a video, generously sponsored by Caviar House & Prunier, to help launch her international music career. Raised in Tokyo, Aoi began playing violin at the age of 5 at the Toho Gakuen Music School. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the Tokyo University of the Arts with honors and is currently studying for her Master’s degree at the Berlin University of the Arts.