The ZYC Finale — The Contest is just around the corner!
We warmly invite you to the auditions and the closing concert:
Friday, April 17
Auditions, Brunnenhof (09:00–17:00)
Saturday, April 18
Auditions, Florhof (09:00, until approx. 12:00)
Sunday, April 19
Prize winners' concert, Brunnenhof (Studio 1, 10:00–12:00)
We wish all musicians a wonderful time at the finale!
Admission to the prize winners' concert is free. For more information on the program, see our finale brochure.
Your ZYC Team
Magazine
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August 2026
27/08/2026
Excellence with perspective
What comes after that first success on stage? Zurich Youth Classical sees support not as a single moment but as an ongoing path. An article about a model designed to accompany young musicians from the Canton of Zurich.
26/08/2026
Quote of the Month: August
That's exactly what Zurich Youth Classical builds on: The Contest as the starting point, The Cadenza for individual guidance, and The Crescendo for shared concert and stage experiences.
21/08/2026
The Summer Break Is Over
The summer break is over — we're back, with fresh energy and a few improvements.
July 2026
08/07/2026
Summer Break
See you soon. We're taking a short summer break — and getting ready for you for 2027. Enjoy the summer.
02/07/2026
ZYC Explains: The Development Program
ZYC is more than an event. It's a development program that accompanies you from your first steps to a possible professional career.
June 2026
24/06/2026
Quote of the Month: June
For ZYC, The Contest is not an ending but a beginning. For outstanding participants, the path opens into The Cadenza and The Crescendo — individual guidance, performance opportunities, and the continued development of their own musical identity.
17/06/2026
The Community
Zurich Youth Classical — The Contest is more than a comparison. It's a place of connection — between young musicians, their families, teachers, and the jury.
11/06/2026
Sound Glimpses of the Jury
They listen, observe, discuss — with care and genuine interest in the young musicians – The Jury
03/06/2026
Warm-up Moments
Before the stage calls, silence comes first. A room, an instrument, your own music — these final minutes belong only to the music and to yourself.
May 2026
28/05/2026
Behind the Scenes
It's not only the stage that tells a story. The moments before, in between, and after — waiting in the hallway, that last deep breath, a conversation during the break — are just as much a part of it.
20/05/2026
Stage Moments
The stage was theirs. For three days, young musicians performed in Studio 1 at the Brunnenhof Zurich — each with their own expression, their own voice.
14/05/2026
Faces of the Final
Concentration you can feel. Moments just before the music begins. Young musicians showing themselves — just as they truly are.
06/05/2026
Quote of the Month: April
For ZYC, The Contest is not an ending but a beginning. The final marks not only a high point, but opens the next step of development for some young musicians.
04/05/2026
"A Space for Resonance" — Andrea Raschèr on the First Edition of ZYC
President of the Förderstiftung Musik Zürich and Executive Director of Zurich Youth Classical, Andrea Raschèr, opened and closed the prize winners' concert on April 19, 2026, with words that capture the spirit of ZYC. Here are both of his speeches in full.
April 2026
29/04/2026
The Essence of Artistic Devotion
Looking back on the final weekend of Zurich Youth Classical still fills us with great joy. A weekend full of musical intensity and expressive power. Andrea F. G. Raschèr sums up these special moments perfectly: “What we were able to experience at the ZYC final was the pure essence of artistic devotion: courage, personality, and an unmistakable presence.”
27/04/2026
Schweizer Musikzeitung on ZYC
No competitive mindset, no ranking logic – and yet performances of the highest caliber. The Schweizer Musikzeitung was there for the first ZYC and describes what sets this format apart from everything else.
22/04/2026
A Weekend That Stays.
Our thanks go to the young musicians whose expression and presence shaped these days, as well as to our jury for their attention and care.
15/04/2026
A Look Inside the Final Brochure
With the upcoming final this Friday in mind, we'd like to share some insights from our final brochure. It brings together the thoughts, values, and vision that shape Zurich Youth Classical – from our understanding of musical development to our stance as an organization.
15/04/2026
Voices from the Jury
During our qualification round, a high-caliber jury already had the chance to experience numerous young musicians. Visit our Instagram to hear their personal impressions and thoughts on the Zurich Youth Classical qualification round.
08/04/2026
ZYC Explains: The Crescendo
The Crescendo is aimed at select prize winners with distinction who are invited by ZYC to take this next step. It offers you hands-on learning in a professional concert setting.
01/04/2026
Jury Code #4: Depth and Naturalness
With the upcoming Finale in mind, in our series “Jury Code: Our Guidelines for Listening,” we turn to a principle that gains particular importance there: depth and naturalness.
March 2026
27/03/2026
ZYC Explains: The Cadenza
The Cadenza is part of the ZYC support program and is aimed at selected participants whose artistic development, personality, and attitude are especially convincing. It's designed as the next step after The Contest – individual, in-depth, and built for the long term.
18/03/2026
Quote of the Month: March
The diversity of our participants is a strength. That's exactly what we want to make visible.
11/03/2026
Thank you!
What a wonderful first edition of The Contest! We look back on this first part of The Contest with great joy.
February 2026
27/02/2026
The Contest Invites You
Experience young musical talents live at the ZYC qualification round – The Contest. Free admission.
22/02/2026
Jury Code #3: Technique in the Service of Music
The qualification round once again showed how different technical backgrounds and musical approaches can be. With our series “Jury Code: Our Guidelines for Listening,” we share what matters most to us at ZYC: how our jury listens, assesses, and accompanies – openly, respectfully, and with an eye toward development.
12/02/2026
Jury Code #2: Authenticity Over Perfection
Our Guidelines for Listening” we share what matters most to us at ZYC: how our jury listens, assesses, and supports — openly, respectfully, and with a focus on growth.
09/02/2026
The Brochure
The time is almost here! Preparations for THE CONTEST are in full swing. See for yourself what the event is all about and take a look inside the full brochure.
January 2026
28/01/2026
ZYC Explains: The Instruments
Part 9 of the “ZYC Explains” series, about instruments. For the qualification round in March, ZYC provides selected instruments on site. This post explains which instruments are available and how registration works.
15/01/2026
ZYC Explains: The Finale
The Finale is the last stage of The Contest – on April 17 and 18, 2026, at Brunnenhof Zürich. Here the qualified musicians present their program to the jury and audience. The focus is on musicality, expression, and artistic personality. Alongside ranks and awards, the Finale can open access to support formats such as Cadenza and Crescendo.
08/01/2026
Jury Code #1: Individual Benchmark
In 2026, ZYC is launching “Jury Code” – a series about the mindset behind how our jury listens. Jury Code #1: At ZYC, what counts isn't objective difficulty, but your individual benchmark and how authentically you engage with your musical task.
December 2025
17/12/2025
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays to all of you – from the heart. 2025 was our first year. We're grateful for every encounter, every conversation, and every talent we had the chance to get to know. We're looking forward to a shared 2026 – full of music.
Your team at Zurich Youth Classical
10/12/2025
ZYC Explains: The Qualification
The preselection is complete – from March 6 to 8, 2026, the first live stage of The Contest takes place at Brunnenhof Zürich. The jury assesses musicality, expression, and stage presence in an age-appropriate way, with ranks representing qualitative assessments rather than placements.
04/12/2025
A First Step Achieved.
The results of the preliminary selection have been sent out – and we're delighted that so many of you made it through to the qualification round.
Thank you to everyone who shared their music with us. Every submission tells its own story and shows how diverse and vibrant the young music scene in the Canton of Zurich is.
In March, the journey continues for many – live at the Brunnenhof. We're looking forward to it.
November 2025
26/11/2025
ZYC Explains: The Preselection
The jury reviews all submitted videos and assesses musicality, expression, and personality in an age-appropriate way. Video quality plays no decisive role – authenticity counts. Results will follow by December 8, 2025 at the latest.
19/11/2025
Quote of the Month: November
ZYC wants to offer young musicians an environment where they can feel safe – even when they're coming into contact with a larger musical format for the first time. Clear guidance isn't the opposite of creativity; it creates space for it. This exact balance has shaped ZYC's work from the very beginning.
13/11/2025
Where History Resonates On
The historic Brunnenhof Zurich becomes a stage for The Contest: Qualification Round March 6–8, Final April 17–18, 2026.
06/11/2025
ZYC Explains: The Timeline
Registration has closed, and the preselection is underway. Results on December 8, 2025, followed by the qualification round (March 6–8, 2026) and the final (April 17–18, 2026) – both live at the Brunnenhof Zurich.
October 2025
30/10/2025
ZYC Explains: Who Is Zurich Youth Classical For?
Zurich Youth Classical is about young people who love classical music – whether they're just starting out or already performing on stage. ZYC is aimed at children and teens in the Canton of Zurich who live here or receive music lessons here. What matters isn't perfection, but enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity.
18/10/2025
Quote of the Month: October
At ZYC, it's not about comparison, but about expression.
That's why we support young musicians, help them discover their potential, and help shape the sound of tomorrow. The Contest is the entry point into our development program – and your chance to be heard.
08/10/2025
The Registration Phase Begins!
The registration phase for The Contest starts this Friday!
Want to become part of Zurich Youth Classical, the development program for young musicians connected to the Canton of Zurich? Then start your journey with ZYC The Contest now.
01/10/2025
The Jury
Eight experienced artists, educators, and cultural professionals accompany The Contest with their expertise, musical instinct, and commitment to the next generation.
September 2025
25/09/2025
ZYC Explains: Who's Behind It?
At Zurich Youth Classical, experienced experts from the music and funding world work together to pave the way for young talents – with vision, fairness, and passion.
17/09/2025
Quote of the Month: September
What does real musical development mean? For Zurich Youth Classical, it's clear: it's not just about comparison, but about growth, personality, and artistic freedom.
10/09/2025
ZYC Explains: What Is Zurich Youth Classical?
In our series “ZYC Explains,” we show you what's behind the new support program in the Canton of Zurich. ZYC supports young musicians on their path to excellence.
June 2025
26/06/2025
ZYC: Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow's Sound
Zurich Youth Classical is here. A new support program for young musicians in the Canton of Zurich – for everyone who wants to help shape the sound of tomorrow. With The Contest, coaching, and stage experience, ZYC accompanies young talents on their musical journey – from their first performance to the threshold of a professional career.