A bridge builder and his "Stars"

The musical firmament is full of stars. Everywhere people are talking about star singers and violin stars, star pianists and stars of the future. But why is that? Isn't it enough to be an outstanding musician? What distinguishes classical music stars from good musicians? Virtuoso playing, unrivalled dexterity, perfect technique? Passion, personality or the soulful sound that captivates people around the world? Or does it perhaps take all of this together to be successful or even a ‘star’?

It needs even more. The keyword is: networks. It's through relevant contacts that musicians get the chance to perform in the first place. What is the point of completing a music degree with bravura if there are no opportunities to perform? If you want to shine on the world's concert stages, you need mentors. Wise, honest and experienced people who keep an eye on the artistic development of young talents.

Competitions? That's hell!
Sir András Schiff's mentoring programme ‘Building Bridges’ is a unique and exemplary model in this respect. Schiff launched the programme in 2014 with the aim of helping young pianists to build bridges to the professional music world and free them from the need to take part in competitions. The increasing number of piano competitions is ‘like hell’ for him, says Schiff. Music is not a sport. There are certain objective criteria, for example, who plays faster, louder or who makes fewer or no mistakes. But that has nothing to do with art. In art, the non-measurable elements are more important: personality, artistic passion and curiosity. But these are neglected in the competitions.

Recital programme as a showcase
But how does the ‘building of bridges’ work? Schiff selects three talented pianists each season and works with them in his Berlin class. He also helps arrange recitals for them at concert organisers and festivals throughout Europe. Schiff says that he listens to dozens, even hundreds of pianists each year to find three personalities who he considers interesting and have something to say artistically. Another focus is the development of concert programmes. A recital programme is like a showcase; it has to reflect not only the pianist's ability, but also their personality and artistic curiosity.

Dancing keyboard artist
This year, French pianist Jérémy Moreau is one of the "Building Bridges" pianists. He was born in 1999 and has several siblings who are also professional musicians and with whom he often performs. Moreau began playing the piano at the age of seven and trained in classical dance at the same time. But at an early stage, the double talent had to make a decision. He stopped dancing and began studying piano in Paris.

In addition to Moreau and the South Korean Chloe Jiyeong Mun (born 1995), the Piano Week also features the Swiss pianist Simon Bürki (born 2000). His name is probably still unknown to many piano lovers. Born in St. Gallen, he left his home behind for his piano training. He began piano lessons in Kiev at the age of five. As a 12-year-old, he played a Mozart piano concerto in the Tonhalle Zurich with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, later studying in Moscow and now at the Juilliard School in New York. How did he cope with the racing start in his career? Why don't you ask him in person in Ernen?

Öffentlicher Meisterkurs und Konzert

In Ernen, Sir András Schiff will reveal what otherwise takes place behind closed doors. Be there up close at Schiff's first Ernen masterclass when he coaches the budding stars of the musical firmament in pianistic subtleties. Listen to his comments and analyses and prick up your ears to hear how the pianists implement his suggestions on the keyboard. The masterclass is open to the public. And to top off the piano week, not only will the ‘master students’ perform a concert evening, but also the master himself.

Piano | 12–18 July 2025 | Personality on the keyboard
5 recitals and a jazz concert
13–17 July 2025 | Public master class with Sir András Schiff

Want to stay for the whole Piano Week?

Buy the subscription

Discover the programmes and buy single tickets

Not quite sure yet?

Listen to the music: Playlist 'Piano Week 2025' on Spotify

Written in December 2024, by Marianne Mühlemann (translated by Jonathan Inniger)