Robert Dunand Prize
Robert Dunand Prize
Robert Dunand Prize
About the Prize
Celebrating excellence, vision, and the power of music to shape a future.
The Robert Dunand Prize was established by the Villars Music Academy, to encourage and support exceptional young talents at a pivotal moment in their careers.
The final round of the Prize takes place at a public concert during the Academy in the Villars Palace Theatre. The winner receives a professional promotional video and concert engagements with partner institutions.
About Robert Dunand
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.
Robert Dunand Prize 2025 Concert
Exclusively open to laureates of the Villars Music Academy, the Robert Dunand Prize celebrates the legacy of a man deeply committed to supporting emerging talent. Created in tribute to his vision, this prize reflects the Villars Institute’s mission to foster intergenerational exchange — connecting promising young musicians with world-renowned professionals to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and build lasting artistic initiatives.
Following an initial online selection, the final rounds take place in front of a live audience, culminating in a public concert and vote held at the Théâtre du Villars Palace. The winner is awarded a professionally produced video, sponsored by the Villars Institute Foundation, to support the launch of their international music career, as well as concert opportunities with our partners.
The Robert Dunand Prize 2025 concert took place on August 23 at 8:00 PM at the Villars Palace, as part of the closing concert.
Robert Dunand Prize 2024 Concert
August 16, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater
The final of the 1st Robert Dunand Prize finale took place on Friday August 16 at 7.30pm at the Villars Palace Theatre. The Robert Dunand Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy. The winner will be offered the opportunity to record a video to launch his or her international music career. While listening to this exceptional competition, the audience played an active role,by voting for their favorite candidate.
Robert Dunand Prize 2024 Winner
Described as "captivating: full of passion, imagination, and boldness" by The Times, the South Korean violinist SongHa is a winner of numerous major international competitions and is now the first recipient of the Robert Dunand Prize.
SongHa
Balik Farm Prize 2023 Concert
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.
Balik Farm Prize 2023 Winner
Aoi Saito, Violin
