YOUTH JURY

HISTORY

In 2005 a Children’s Jury was created as world premiere at the International Music Festival Sion Valais, which operates alongside the International Jury. Coordinated by Nicole Coppey, Founder and Director of the pedagogic school of Musical Art “Un, Deux, Trois, Musiques” in Sion, this jury was created to provide an alternative appreciation of the  candidates’ performances, one based on the sensibility, the imagination and the creativity of a child. All members of the children’s jury came from the school “Un, Deux, Trois, Musiques” and had received coaching from their Director for more than six months before the beginning of the Competition. Present throughout all rounds of the Competition, the Children’s Jury awarded the “Children’s Jury Prize” to one of the candidates during the final ceremony.

Conserving its initial spirit, values and mission, this jury took on new structure in 2009 and became the “Youth Jury”. It is now composed of young string players between 12 and 18 years of age and of exceptional musical talent, since they are selected amongst the 1st Prize-winners of the Swiss Youth Music Competition. The young musicians receive an intense training and are coached throughout the Competition by a professional musician. The Youth Jury assists all three rounds, and at the end of the Competition awards a special “Youth Jury Prize” to the Candidate of its choice.

Members of the Youth Jury 2011