Robert Dunand (1928 – 1991) was a Swiss conductor whose influential career began as a percussionist with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Alongside this role, he managed opera broadcasts at Radio-Geneva and led music criticism for the Courrier de Genève. That same year, Dunand founded the Orchestra of Musical Youth, which he transformed into the Orchestra of the Collegium Academicum of Geneva in 1958. This initiative bridged the gap between the renowned Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the conservatory environment that lacked opportunities, fostering the creation of the Opéra de chambre de Genève and the Printemps carougeois. Dunand's contributions were pivotal in the formation of the Chamber Orchestra of Geneva, renamed by Thierry Fischer in 1992.

The Villars Music Academy has dedicated their music competition to honour his legacy and commitment to nurturing young talent. This dedication stems from the Villars Institute's mission to promote intergenerational collaboration by bridging generational divides, bringing together talented young people and experienced professionals to share knowledge, develop ideas, and launch initiatives.

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.