Riddes, CNEM (Swiss National Music Competition)

An annual Swiss national music competition held in the village of Riddes in the canton of Valais, founded in 1977 by professor Henri Bujard. One of Switzerland's most important competitions for young musicians, the CNEM takes place each autumn at the Salle de l'Abeille in Riddes, with the instruments rotating annually — announced one year in advance. The competition is open to Swiss nationals up to the age of 26, as well as foreign candidates who have been resident in Switzerland for at least two years or are enrolled at a Swiss conservatory or music school. The competition runs in two stages — a video pre-selection followed by public live rounds — and candidates may enter the CNEM no more than twice. First prize winners from previous editions are not eligible to re-enter in the same instrument. The jury is drawn from professors at Swiss Hautes Écoles de Musique and musicians from leading Swiss orchestras.

The next competition: 21-25 October, 2026
Location: Salle de l'Abeille, Rue de la Vouagère 2, 1908 Riddes, Switzerland.

Contact: info@cnem.ch
Official website: https://www.cnem.ch
Facebook: 
Instagram: