Mission and History

In 2014 Swiss cultural manager Roger Cahn had the idea of creating a multi-annual program for young and internationally promising classical music soloists and chamber music ensembles in order to boost their careers through developing their personal resources and passing on crucial knowledge and know-how. In addition, financial support for the realisation of various artistic projects connected to the artist’s career and an associated Career Advancement Program should be provided.

His idea was based on the conclusion that many young musicians give excellent musical and instrumental performances but they often are unaware of other factors which largely contribute to proceeding to an international career: self-management, entrepreneurial thinking, networking, public relations and social media, branding, legal issues, concert formats, self-presentation, health aspects and many others topics. At most music universities and conservatories these skills are often only touched upon, if at all. Over the course of two years the participants in this Career Advancement Program are invited once a year to participate in two sessions of three days each. In the third year the participants selected will receive support for an artistic project.

The Günther Caspar-Stiftung facilitated the initiation of this holistic and intensive program for selected highly talented soloists and chamber music ensembles who are on the verge of an international career.
An internationally acclaimed jury selects the Career Advancement Program’s participants for the course of three years. The Career Advancement Program’s partner institutions shortlist potential participants who are then invited to an audition in Switzerland, where they perform for an internationally acclaimed jury which selects the participants for the three year course.

The first three terms happened from 2015 to 2017, from 2018 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2023. The current term starting in 2024 will end in 2026. The Career Advancement Program thus so far has selected pianists Frank Dupree, Mélodie Zhao, Teo Gheorghiu, Martina Consonni and Roman Borisov, violinists Miriam Helms Ålien, Irène Duval and Amira Abouzahra, violists Hwayoon Lee and Sào Soulez Larivière, cellists Chiara Enderle Samatanga, Alessio Pianelli, Petar Pejčić and Ettore Pagano, double bassist Dominik Wagner, Trio Sōra, Quatuor Agate, Chaeos String Quartet and Quatuor Van Kuijk.

Prior to his far too early death, the late Dr Roger Cahn handed over the direction of the Career Advancement Program to Thomas Pfiffner who developed it further and who is responsible for constantly adapting it to the everchanging needs in the classical music industry.