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Geneva, Switzerland

A Historic Triumph at the Concours de Genève

Competitions

Violists Sarah Strohm and Brian Isaacs Share the Top Honour in Geneva

The 79th Concours de Genève has concluded its Viola Edition with a rare and decisive outcome: the First Prize was jointly awarded to Sarah Strohm (20) and Brian Isaacs (25). The Second Prize was attributed to Ayaka Taniguchi (23).


A Finale of Contrasts and Conviction

The final round, performed with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under the baton of Cornelius Meister, presented a fascinating study in contrasts. All three finalists first navigated the contemporary waters of the compulsory work, Nouvel Élan by Léo Albisetti, a piece that served as a great test for their musical understanding and adaptability.

For the concerto of choice, the finalists’ selections revealed their musical personalities. Both Strohm and Taniguchi chose the brooding, unfinished masterpiece of Béla Bartók's Viola Concerto, in the Bartok/Dellamaggiore version. Strohm’s interpretation was described by audience members as deeply introspective and emotionally raw, her sound possessing a purity that cut through the orchestra with great intensity. This connection with the public was formally recognized when she was also awarded the Audience Prize.

Brian Isaacs, on the other hand, took a different path, opting for the robust and folk-inspired Paul Hindemith Viola Concerto, "Der Schwanendreher." His performance was a tour de force of muscular virtuosity and rich, dark tone, showcasing a violist completely in command of his instrument's orchestral power. It was this compelling divergence in artistic vision that seemingly led the jury to its unprecedented, yet widely celebrated, shared verdict.

Sarah Strohm

Brian Isaacs

A Launchpad for International Careers

Beyond the medals, the laureates are set to embark on a significant career boost. They will benefit from two years of career management and concert bookings with the prestigious agency Sartory Artists, ensuring their talents are showcased on Swiss and international stages. The competition has once again proven to be a powerful springboard, identifying not just technicians, but the complete artists who will shape the future of classical music.

The message from Geneva is clear: the golden age of the viola is now, and its future is in exceptionally diverse and gifted hands.

Meet the Laureates

Sarah Strohm (First Prize & Audience Prize) Born in Geneva, Sarah studied with Noémie Bialobroda at the Conservatory of Music. Since 2024, she has continued her studies at the Paris Conservatory (Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique de Paris) with Jean Sulem. Despite her young age, Sarah has already participated in numerous competitions in Switzerland and abroad (Swiss Youth Competition, Nebdal Competition in the Czech Republic, Tertis Competition in Great Britain), notably winning 2nd Prize at the Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria in 2021 and 1st Prize at the Valiant Forum Competition of the Murten Classics this year. Sarah performs in recitals and chamber music at numerous festivals throughout Switzerland and participates in many academies, such as the Seiji Ozawa Academy, the Verbier Festival Soloists, the Prussia Cove Seminar, and the Hindemith Academy in Blonay.

Sarah Strohm, Brian Isaacs and Ayaka Taniguchi

Brian Isaacs (First Prize) Trained at Yale University in the United States, Brian Isaacs has been studying at the Frankfurt University of Music with Tabea Zimmermann for the past two years. He has already participated in numerous international competitions, notably winning a 2nd Prize at the Max Rostal Competition (Berlin) as well as two special prizes, a 1st Prize at the Grunewald Competition in Berlin and a 3rd Prize at the Oldar Nedbal Competition in the Czech Republic.

Ayaka Taniguchi (Second Prize) Trained at the Tokyo University of the Arts by Kazunori Kawasaki, Ayaka Taniguchi has been pursuing her studies at the Frankfurt University of Music under Tabea Zimmermann since 2023. She has participated in numerous competitions in Japan and Europe (TIAA Concerts, Tokyo Competition, ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Oskar Nebdal Competition in the Czech Republic, where she won 4th Prize) and recently distinguished herself by winning 1st Prize at the Hindemith Competition in Munich. She has performed as a soloist in Japan and Europe and participates in many prestigious festivals, such as the Rheingau Festival in Germany, the Casals Festival, and the Ravel Festival in France.

Prizes
First prize: Sarah Strohm (20), Paris, and Brian Isaacs(25), Berlin
Second prize: Ayaka Taniguchi (23), Frankfurt am Main
Third prize: Not awarded

Jury
Tabea Zimmermann (Chair), Tomoko Akasaka, Ettore Causa, Cynthia Phelps, Pauline Sachse, Jean Sulem, German Tcakulov

Artists
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/ Cornelius Meister, Conductor

 

©WFIMC2025