Long awaited, 2021 has finally arrived!
2020 was difficult for all artists and cultural institutions; ours was no exception; the postponement and cancellation of our concerts has been a source of disappointment, financial uncertainty and constraints on many levels. However, this pause has allowed us to take the time to review our agenda and redesign the outline of our events. Thus, while our physical activity in Sion remains the priority, we have been able to work on developing our online presence, which is a real step forward and guarantees that the majority of our future activities will take place, despite the health crisis!
It is therefore with great joy and confidence that we are able, at the beginning of this year, to present to you, with our best wishes, the main events of this year's programme:
- From 11 to 21 February 2021, for the first time, a Winter Academy will take place. Although the teachers' concert, originally scheduled to take place at the Théâtre de Valère, had to be cancelled, the courses will be maintained and no less than 40 young people have registered for the various masterclasses on offer. While the majority of these will take place in Sion, in person, a system allowing online teaching has been set up and will be inaugurated during this season. www.sion-academie.ch
- Another source of pride for our foundation, the second edition of the Tibor Junior Competition, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the public health situation, will be held this spring. Dedicated to young violinists aged 14 to 18, the event has generated a great deal of interest despite the pandemic, and we were pleased to note a registration rate more than 30% higher than for the first edition! A pre-selection jury worked long and hard to choose the 14 young artists who will have the privilege of competing in the competition. Coming from ten nationalities spread over three continents, the contenders for the title will compete from 5 to 10 April 2021. The first rounds will be visible, depending on the restrictions linked to the health crisis, indoors or online, while the final will, in any case, be broadcast on the Valais television channel Canal 9. Information will be regularly updated on the competition website. www.sion-concours-junior.ch
- Finally, this summer will see the many usual activities of the season:
- From 19 July to 21 August, the Summer Academy will welcome students and teachers to Sion and various places in the canton for several weeks of masterclasses. www.sion-academie.ch
- From 19 August to 5 September, follow the sparkling programme of the Sion Festival, designed by Artistic Director Pavel Vernikov. www.sion-festival.ch
- From 28 August to 4 September, the Tibor Varga International Violin Competition, for 18-26 year olds, will take place at the Jesuit Church and the Ferme-Asile (final rounds). www.sion-concours.ch
The programme and details of the summer activities will only be communicated in the spring and will depend on the public health situation! Keep up with the latest announcements on our website and social networks.
And as a "start of the year concerto", don't hesitate to listen again to the beautiful performance of Anna Agafia Egholm, winner of the Tibor Varga Prize 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E__y1fDuaOM
Wishing you a wonderful 2021!
PS: to complete our team, we have several offers of jobs and internship places. Go to www.sion-violon-musique.ch/jobs | 
