Philippe Mathis initially worked as a pianist in Paris and for a renowned agency in Geneva. For ten years, he played jazz and international music across Europe, Monaco, and Asia. Even after leaving the music business, he continued to compose. His goal is to create music for piano that pianists enjoy performing.
This piano composition competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities. Selection criteria are musical and no extra-musical parameters such as gender, level of difficulty, nationality and age quotas.
The quality of the text is examined by the jury. Unpublished works & worksworks (Modern scores for piano solo or piano 4 hands, duration 3 to 5 minutes) that have been performed previously and won competitions in the past may be submitted.
RMN Classical has release a album with Diemensions 7 selected through a call for piano recordings.
Modern Music for Piano will is available on every digital outlet and platform and also on RMN Classical.
Dimitris Anousis, composer, pianist, arranger and manager of “AN ART ARTISTRY”, has recorded a magnificent disc entitled “When a pianist goes to the Opera”. This album is a collection of highly interesting, virtuoso 19th-century piano transcriptions by composers such as Hummel, Liszt, Raff, Thalberg and Smith. These transcriptions are based on well-known and popular musical themes from operas by Mozart, Verdi, Bellini, Wagner and Bizet.
Here are details of the works included on this album:
Johann Nepomuk Hummel: Known for his virtuoso transcriptions, Hummel brings a new dimension to operatic works with his detailed, expressive arrangements
Franz Liszt: A master transcriber, Liszt captures the dramatic and emotional essence of opera with technical and musical mastery.
Joseph Joachim Raff: Raff transforms operatic themes into complex, challenging piano pieces, revealing a unique musical depth.
Sigismond Thalberg: With his distinctive approach, Thalberg creates transcriptions that showcase the pianist’s virtuosity while respecting the original work.
Sydney Smith: Smith brings a personal touch to transcriptions, with interpretations that combine technique and sensitivity.
I hope you will be interested to listen this excellent CD.
Philippe Mathis 2nd Prize in the 3rd Opus Dissonus Composition Competition with the work Dimensions (number 5)
Opus Dissonus is a worldwide competition open to all composers, regardless of nationality or age. Founded by composer and pianist Artur Cimirro, this prestigious competition offers a unique platform for emerging and established talent. Composers are invited to submit works for solo piano lasting up to twelve minutes. Each composer can submit up to three works, offering an opportunity to explore different facets of their musical creativity. Opus Dissonus celebrates diversity and innovation in piano composition, attracting participants from all over the world.
Northern Lights – An insight into nordic violin music Published by the record company Solo Musica, the CD « Northern lights » of the Duo Froschhammer allows us to discover with sensitivity and virtuosity several Scandinavian composers. This very successful record brings together works for violin and piano written between the 19th and 20th centuries (Tor Aulin, Edward Grieg, Jean Sibelius) and also folk pieces transcribed by Fritz Froschhammer and the Duo Froschhammer.
The Duo Froschhammer features siblings Felix Froschhammer, violin, and Julia Froschhammer, piano. Founded in 1998, the Duo has since performed in Switzerland, Germany, ltaly, France, Malta and al the famous Atheneum in Bucharest. Together they are prize winners of the International Wolfgang Jacobi Competition for 20th cenlury chamber music and have been recipienls of scholarships from the Bavarian Music Fund.
Felix Froschhammer is first Violinist of the casalQuartett and Concertmaster of both the Ensemble Symphonique Neuchâtel and Sinfonietta de Lausanne (Switzerland), Felix is also active as a soloist and plays an important role in the Ensemble Chaarts and Tri i Dve, a Quinte! specialising in Balkan music. Previous engagements include appearances al festivals including Salzburger Feslspiele, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Rheingau Musikfestival and Lucerne Festival, as well as al worldrenowned venues in Shanghai, Bangkok, Moscow, Singapore, Milan and Paris. Felix’s performances have been broadcast on Radio France, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Ôsterreichischer Rundfunk, Südwestdeulscher Rundfunk, Deulschlandfunk, Radio Suisse Romande Espace 2, France 2, Arte TV and Mezzo. His chamber music parlners include Gautier Capuçon, Lawrence Power, Fazil Say, Felicity Lott and Maximilian Hornung. Since 2018 he has been the Artistic Director of the Festival du Jura in Switzerland.
Born in Munich, Julia Froschhammerbegan studying the piano at the age of six with her father, the pianist and composer Fritz Froschhammer. A prize winner of several national competitions, she obtained her artistic diploma with Vadim Suchanov al the Richard Strauss Conservatory, Munich, and joined the Haute école de musique de Lausanne (HEMU) in 2002, studying with Jean-François Antonioli. ln 2007, she completed her studies with the prestigious soloist’s diploma and was awarded the Paderewski Prize and the Ganz Prize. Julia performs regularly as a chamber musician and soloist throughout Europe. Together with harpist Céline Gay des Combes she also enjoys performing as part of the Duo Harpian, a rare harp and piano duo which con be heard on Radio France Musique, Radio Espace 2, SRF and Radio Classique. Recently they have performed for the Swiss Embassy in Washington (USA) and released a CD of French and Spanish music on the Swiss label VDE Gallo. The duo often commissions new works, and in 2016, the Swiss composer Jean Froidevaux dedicated a work to them. With her new ensemble, Pianofolie, Julia performs with three other pianists atone piano, combining music and comedy. Alongside her concert career Julia shores her passion for music through teaching, notably as Professor of piano al the lnstitute de Ribaupierre (EML) in Lausanne.
As an accomplished artist Julia also expresses herself through painting. Her work con be found on her online art gallery, JuArt, and al regular exhibitions and concerts combining music and art.
Emma Saskia Baehler began playing the piano before the age of four. At just six, she gave her first official concert, performing Chopin mazurkas and works by Brahms with brio. Her first teacher and mentor, her mother Sibylle Bähler, accompanied her on this concert, underlining the importance of family heritage and teaching in her musical development. Emma’s precocity and talent already point to a promising career in the world of classical music.
Emma Saskia Baehler has already given concerts in several Swiss cities, including Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Avenches, Sigriswil, Zurich and Thun, playing as a soloist as well as in duo with her mother for four-hand pieces. Her virtuosity and talent also led her to perform in Germany, where she captivated audiences with her refined and moving interpretations. At such a young age, Emma has already built up an impressive track record of performances.
Since 2017, she has partnered with Swiss violinist Alexandre Dubach several times. She has already won several first prizes, including in June 2018, the first prize at the Steinway Piano Competition.
Emma Saskia Bähler playing Robert Schumann Aufschwung, op. 12 Nr. 2
In late February and early March 2019, Emma Saskia Bähler gave her first concerts with orchestra, marking a milestone in her young career. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at the Bern University of Music, where she continues to perfect her art and enrich her repertoire. Emma Saskia Bähler’s brilliant combination of academic achievement and professional experience is a testament to her dedication and passion for music. Undoubtedly an artist to keep an eye on.
The work “The Elves (the enchanting forest)” was awarded the Diplôme de Troisième Degré in the International Category of the Golden Key Music Festival composition competition in 2020. This festival combines a unique artistic, performative and educational experience, attracting both professional musicians and promising students. Each year, the festival offers a rich diversity of musical, artistic and cultural experiences, fostering exchange and learning between participants of different nationalities and cultures.
The composition “The Elves (the enchanting forest)” stands out for its ability to capture the imagination and transport listeners into an enchanted world, populated by mystical creatures and fairytale landscapes. Recognition in this competition underlines not only the artistic quality of the work, but also the composer’s technical mastery and musical sensitivity.
In addition, this composition was co-produced by RMN Music and is featured on the “In Focus” CD.The aim of this innovative project and debut album is to shine the spotlight on talented composers, as well as new promises and emerging voices in the world of contemporary classical music.
The Golden Key Music Festival, through its commitment to promoting artistic excellence and innovation, plays a crucial role in enriching the musical landscape and recognizing talent.
The success of this composition at the Golden Key Music Festival and its inclusion on the “In Focus” CD testify to the work’s reach and impact, as well as the composer’s ability to touch and inspire a wide audience.
Elves are legendary creatures that have been part of Northern European folklore for centuries. They are typically described as magical beings with small stature, pointed ears, and a deep love of nature. Philippe Mathis’ piano piece « The Elves » beautifully captures the essence of these enchanting creatures with its ethereal soundscape.
The melodies and harmonies create the feeling of exploring a magical forest where fairies live and spread their positive influence throughout the world.
Philippe Mathis’ incorporation of passages with broad melodic lines creates a captivating, mesmerizing atmosphere that immerses the listener in a realm of fantasy and awe. The harmonies in « The Elves » enhance the fantastical nature of these beings, similar to contemporary media such as books, movies, and video games. Listening to « The Elves » is a pleasurable experience that stimulates the imagination and encourages the listener to discover the enchanting world of these captivating creatures, capturing the essence and enchantment of these mythical beings. With its delicate melodies and intricate harmonies, the composition transports the listener to a world of ethereal beauty.
« The Elves » begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played on the piano, the notes seemingly dancing like mystical creatures in a moonlit forest. The music flows with grace and elegance, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment. As the piece progresses, Philippe Mathis skillfully weaves together various musical motifs, creating a tapestry of sound that mirrors the enchanting world of the elves.
As the music reaches its climax, Philippe Mathis presents arpeggios that cascade like shimmering waterfalls. The composition reaches its climax, capturing the elven realm in all its splendor. Gradually, the music slows down, returning to the gentle melancholy of the opening melody, leaving a lingering sense of calm.
Philippe Mathis’ piano piece, « The Elves, » embodies the mythical creatures that have captured the hearts and imaginations of people throughout history. With its melodies, harmonies, and love of nature, the composition is a testament to Mathis’ musical skills and his ability to convey energy through music. Listening to « The Elves » is a truly interesting experience that transports the listener to a realm of magic and beauty.
Svetlana Ponomarëva was born in the Siberian city of Omsk, Russia. From the age of three, she played the piano with her fingers on the table, and was subsequently accepted with the highest mark at Moscow’s prestigious Gnessin Academy of Music. Svetlana studied in the classes of Professor Alexander Satz and Professor Alexander Alexandrov.
In 1993, she was a finalist in the Young Concert Artist competition in New York and reached the semi-finals of the Esther Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary, Canada, in 1996. In 2004, Svetlana made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, a landmark moment in her career. Since then, she has released eight CDs, showcasing her virtuosity and musical sensibility.
Svetlana has performed as a soloist, with orchestras and chamber music ensembles in Russia, Germany, Canada and the USA. She has collaborated with such eminent conductors as Sergey Skripka, Oleg Burakov, Yuri Nikolayevsky, Dmitry Vasiliev, Vladimir Rylov, Valery Khalilov and Sergei Durygin. His performances are hailed for their emotional depth and impeccable technique, captivating audiences the world over.
In addition to her concert career, Svetlana is also a dedicated teacher, sharing her expertise with the next generation of pianists. She regularly organizes masterclasses and workshops, inspiring young musicians to achieve musical excellence.
In 2007, Svetlana Ponomarëva published a book by Svetlana Gordeevtseva entitled “Touching a Mystery”, about articulation in the keyboard music of J.S. Bach. She has lectured on this subject in Vancouver and Omsk, Russia, sharing her in-depth knowledge and expertise with passionate audiences.
In 2016-2017, Svetlana was invited to perform at the prestigious Spasskaya Tower Festival in the Moscow Kremlin. This iconic event provided an ideal platform to showcase her exceptional talent and reinforced her position as a respected musician on the international stage.
With a career rich in memorable performances, distinguished collaborations and academic contributions, Svetlana Ponomarëva continues to influence and inspire the world of classical music. Her passion for music and her art continue to shine through every note she plays and every student she trains.
During 2020-2021, together with her son Antoine Villéger – composer and pianist – she participated in various International online competitions in Russia, Europe (Italy, Spain, UK, Luxembourg) and Turkey earning numerous prize-winning places, as well as eight Grand-Prix, in Piano (solo and ensemble), Composition and Acting Skills nominations.
In 2021 Svetlana participated in the International Scientific Conference in Moscow with her presentation “The Art of Interpretation: Artistic Analysis of Piano Concerto #2 (op. 16 in G Minor) by Sergey Prokofiev”, for the composer’s 130th Anniversary.
Vancouver-born prodigy Antoine Villéger is already an accomplished composer and pianist. A graduate of the DipLCM in Performance (Recital) at the London College of Music, University of West London, as well as the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT), Antoine demonstrated a mastery of his art from an early age. He began his composition studies with Alexander Pechenyuk, where he quickly demonstrated an exceptional talent for creating music. Antoine had the honor of working under Juno Award-winning composer Michael Conway Baker, who greatly influenced his artistic development. Currently, Antoine continues his piano studies under the tutelage of pianist Svetlana Ponomarëva, perfecting his technique and musical interpretation. Antoine is a prizewinner in numerous international and national composition and piano competitions. He has won prestigious awards in Canada, Europe (Spain, Luxembourg) and Russia. These achievements testify not only to his talent, but also to his determination and dedication to music. His impressive career at such a young age promises a bright future, and it is certain that Antoine will continue to enchant the world of classical music with his exceptional compositions and performances.
His orchestral compositions have been performed in Canada by Lions Gate Sinfonia and conductor Clyde Mitchell, with works including “The Battle” in 2015, “Song without Words” in 2018, “The Story of a Theme” in 2019, and “North Shore Waltz” in 2020. In 2019, his compositions were also performed by the Kessler Academy at the Music on Main concert series in Vancouver. Through these performances, his work has reached a wider audience and received significant recognition. Each performance has been praised for its emotional depth and technical mastery, reflecting the diversity and richness of his musical style. Antoine Villéger is emerging as an influential figure on the musical landscape, helping to enrich the scene with his captivating compositions.
Antoine‘s choral composition “The Butterfly and The Bee”, inspired by a poem by E. Dickinson, was premiered in 2019 by the Vancouver Chamber Choir under the direction of Jon Washburn. This work was presented at the 14th Biennial Young Composers’ Competition, where it won two prestigious prizes: First Place in the Elementary Division and the “Barbara Pentland Award for Outstanding Composition”.
This success confirmed Antoine’s talent as a composer of choral music, highlighting his ability to transform poetry into captivating musical compositions. The recognition he received at the competition reinforced his reputation in the world of classical music and demonstrated his artistic potential.
Antoine freely speaks English, French and Russian and in his free time likes to play tennis and chess, reading and acting.
Discover Philippe Mathis’s new album, featuring nine works between modernity and tradition. Available on Apple Music and Amazon.
The brand-new album produced by Elsio Records is now available! The CD features nine previously unpublished works for modern and neoclassical piano composed by Philippe Mathis. An invitation to a musical journey between tradition and modernity.
In this new opus, Jean Froidevaux has composed 33 unpublished compositions inspired by the photographs and poems of Anna Muscatiello.
For each photo, Anna Muscatiello has written a poem. A QR code with your smartphone allows you to listen to the music of Jean Froidevaux, which is inspired either by the photograph or the poem.
« A la croisée des arts » is published by Farga. The creation with projection of the photographs and reading of the poems will take place on Saturday December 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm in Nyon at the Villa Thomas, route de Genève 4.
The works for violin, clarinet, cello and piano will be performed by :
Sarah Velasco is a Canadian violinist who performs regularly in North America, Asia and Europe as a soloist. She is member of the Lausanne Soloists ensemble with Renaud Capuçon for the third consecutive year. She also performs as a chamber musician. Sarah Velasco has played at numerous festivals in France, the United States, Canada, Austria and Switzerland.
Haoran Wang, clarinetist of Chinese origin, studied at the HEMU in the class of Pascal Moraguès. Winner of several competitions, he won the first prize at the Concours National de Clarinette en Picardie, at the Concours Béllan, and is selected for the prestigious Carl Nielsen Competition in 2022.
Lina Luzzi has played in various ensembles in Europe and the United States and is regularly invited to various festivals. Influenced by many horizons, the cellist is involved in several ensembles in Valais, notably Valéik Philarmonik Orchestra and 7 Sed Unum, her baroque collective.
Mertol Demirelli is one of the most gifted pianists of his generation in Turkey. Thanks to a prize obtained at the age of 7, he performed at Carnegie Hall (NY). His musical studies took him from Istanbul to Moscow, and from Munich to Waterloo. After obtaining his Master’s degree as a soloist at the Haute Ecole de Musique de Lausanne, he continues his studies in Genève with Ricardo Castro.
Passionate about theater and literature, Anna Muscatiello obtained a first prize in diction and a second prize in comedy at the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Strasbourg. Then, to answer the call of photography, she followed a training in Paris and became a photographer for a few years. Her inclination for pedagogy and music led her to study music theory and history at the University of Strasbourg to obtain a master’s degree in musicology before starting to teach.