The Géza Anda Foundation was created in 1978 by Hortense Anda-Bührle (1926 – 2014) in memory of her husband, the pianist Géza Anda, who died in 1976.
Its aim is to promote young, talented pianists in the musical spirit of Géza Anda. In addition to numerous other projects, the Géza Anda-Foundation has held an international piano competition in Zurich every three years since 1979. The Concours Géza Anda is a unique, extraordinary institution among the countless competitions that exist on the international scene today – and not just because of its distinguished jury, which comprises outstanding members of the music world.
What is above all remarkable about the Concours Géza Anda is that its work goes beyond organising its prestigious final concert and awarding significant monetary prizes. The Géza Anda Foundation is committed to mentoring its winners for three years and also to providing them with solo engagements.
The Concours Géza Anda is a unique competition in the music world. It is run according to strict rules and requires an immense compulsory programme from its participants. But this is also an absolute prerequisite for candidates who aspire to a successful concert career. It is vital for them to have a broad repertoire; pianists must have several solo programmes and piano concertos ready for performance, so that they can react to programme changes both flexibly and within the shortest space of time. They also have to be ready to perform, even after a long flight or after an arduous journey. It is to be hoped that the Concours Géza Anda will maintain its wonderful traditions, its structures and requirements. Géza Anda was a great musician, and we all feel committed to upholding his name.
Varvara, winner of the Concours in 2012>
