Prix Yves Paternot

Laureates of the Prix Yves Paternot are ambassadors of the Verbier Festival, its Academy, and the excellence they represent.

Yves Paternot was an emblematic figure of the Verbier Festival. A founder of the Friends of the Verbier Festival and member of the Festival’s Foundation Board. In tribute to his commitment, the Prix Yves Paternot recognises the Academy’s most promising musician each summer. The Laureate receives CHF 10,000, an invitation to perform at a future edition of the Festival, and is eligible for a contribution of up to CHF 15,000 to support his or her artistic and professional development.

Anton Beliaev baritone
Laureate 2025

Anton Beliaev is a Russian baritone based at the Semperoper Dresden, singing roles such as Papageno (Die Zauberflöte) and Schaunard (La bohème). Recent highlights include Eugene Onegin at the Verbier Festival (2025), La finta giardiniera at Theater an der Wien, and debuts at Theater Basel, Bregenzer Festspiele and Glyndebourne Festival. 

Trio Concept
formerly Trio Chagall
Laureate 2024

Trio Concept is a Turin-based piano trio and 2025/26 ECHO Rising Stars, touring Europe with performances at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Barbican Centre, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Musikverein Vienna, Wigmore Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, and more, alongside appearances at the Verbier Festival and other major series. 

Ava Dodd soprano
Laureate 2023

Ava Dodd is an Irish soprano appearing with English National Opera, Oper Frankfurt, Wexford Festival Opera, and Opéra national de Lorraine. She returned to the Verbier Festival in 2025 as Lola (Cavalleria rusticana). In 2024 she released her debut EP GEMS and in 2025/26 is a Harewood Artist with English National Opera, making her Scottish Opera debut. 

Bryan Cheng cello
Laureate 2022

Bryan Cheng is a Canadian-born cellist active across Europe, North America, and Asia. Recent seasons include performances with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. In 2025/26 he debuts with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Musikkollegium Winterthur and NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover, alongside a Concertgebouw Amsterdam appearance. 

Sungho Kim tenor
Laureate 2021

Sungho Kim is a Korean tenor based at Oper Dortmund, singing leading roles including Rodolfo (La bohème), Belmonte (Die Entführung aus dem Serail) and Tamino (Die Zauberflöte). After his 2021 Verbier debut, he returned in 2025 as Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), marking a significant Festival appearance in his ongoing European opera career.

Meigui Zhang soprano
Laureate 2019

Meigui Zhang is a Chinese soprano performing at major houses including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. She returned to the Verbier Festival in 2024 as Barbarina (Le nozze di Figaro). Her recent engagements include work with the Paris Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra and Seattle Symphony.

Timothy Chooi violin
Laureate 2018

Timothy Chooi is a Canadian violinist appearing with major orchestras across Europe, North America and Asia. In 2025/26 he features with the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and undertakes a European tour with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, alongside regular chamber music appearances and roles with the Vienna Concert-Verein. 

Adèle Charvet mezzo-soprano
Laureate 2017

Adèle Charvet is a French mezzo-soprano appearing at leading institutions such as the Opéra Comique, Opéra national du Capitole de Toulouse, and Opéra royal de Versailles, and at festivals including Glyndebourne and Verbier. In 2025/26 she presented a Joséphine Baker programme at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées alongside major operatic engagements. 

Milan Siljanov bass-baritone
Laureate 2016

Milan Siljanov is a bass-baritone appearing frequently at Bayerische Staatsoper in roles including Leporello (Don Giovanni) and Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore). Recent highlights include Falstaff at Verbier (2024) and performances at Theater an der Wien and Opéra national de Paris. In 2025/26 he returns to Bayerische Staatsoper and tours with Ensemble Correspondances.