Bryan Cheng awarded Verbier Festival Prix Yves Paternot

Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng has won the Verbier Festival Academy’s highest award, the Prix Yves Paternot. Cheng will receive CHF 10,000 (£8,603), an invitation to perform at Verbier Festival in future, and a contribution of up to CHF 15,000 (£12,904) to support his career development.

The prize, given in recognition of the ‘most accomplished and promising musician’ of the Verbier Festival Academy’s Soloist programme, was awarded to Cheng based on his performance during three weeks in the programme, during which he received mentoring and masterclasses.

Talking about his experience, Cheng said: ‘I have learned so much and have discovered so many incredible musicians and musical performances over these past few weeks. I look forward to returning the Festival and to being part of this inspiring Verbier family.’

The prize recipient is chosen by the director of the Academy after observation of musicians during their time in Verbier and through consultation with Academy faculty. The prize is named after Yves Paternot, founder of the Friends of the Verbier Festival and member of the Foundation’s board.

Currently studying at the Universität der Künste Berlin, Cheng previously studied at Northwestern University. He gave his sold-out Carnegie Hall recital debut at age 14, and will make his Berlin Philharmonie debut in the 2022/23 season. His previous accolades include the Second Prize and Audience Prize at the Geneva International Music Competition in 2021 and First Prize at the UNISA International Strings Competition.

You can find out more about Bryan Cheng here.

You can find out more about Verbier Festival here.