Academy behind the scenes: 10 years of the Prix Yves Paternot with Stephen McHolm

Discover the story and behind-the-scenes of the Yves Paternot Prize with Stephen McHolm, Director of the Verbier Festival Academy.

“The Yves Paternot Prize serves both as an artistic award and a career springboard for its laureates.”
Stephen McHolm, Director of the Verbier Festival Academy

Yves Paternot © DR

Could you remind us who Yves Paternot was and how the prize that bears his name came about?

Yves Paternot was a great music lover, Co-Founder of the Friends of the Verbier Festival and President of the Association from 1994 to 1999. He played an essential role in the Festival’s early years, helping to create the spirit of conviviality and loyalty that characterises the Friends community. After his death in 2016, those close to him wished to perpetuate his memory by creating the Yves Paternot Prize, intended to support each year the most promising young musician of the Verbier Festival Academy.

What does this prize consist of, and what does it represent for its laureates?

The Yves Paternot Prize is awarded each summer at the end of the Festival. Endowed with CHF 25,000, it is both an artistic award and an investment in the laureate’s future. Part of the prize is paid to the musician, while the balance can be used to support an artistic or professional development project. It also represents long-term support: laureates are regularly invited to return to perform at the Verbier Festival.

How are the laureates selected?

The Prize is awarded to the “most accomplished and most promising” performer of the Verbier Festival Academy. It is open to all participants, regardless of discipline. Musicians are observed by several professionals, including Martin T:son Engstroem and Blythe Teh Engstroem, Co-Artistic Directors, as well as the faculty and other members of the artistic management. As Director of the Verbier Festival Academy, I make the final decision, drawing on the observations and recommendations gathered throughout the Academy. It is the highest distinction awarded by the Verbier Festival Academy and a true springboard to an international career.

Interview by Jean-Philippe Jutzi

Prix Yves Paternot: 10th Anniversary

21 July | 15:30 – 16:45 | Église

To mark its tenth anniversary, the Prix Yves Paternot brings together several of its laureates. Each summer, this prize honours an Academy artist on the cusp of a major career — ten years of artists trained in Verbier who are now appearing on international stages.

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