RAINER MARIA RILKE

What do his poems – and their musical settings – have to say to us today? Which aspects of his work would you like to explore and cast in a new light? What responses can we offer him from a contemporary perspective?

CONCERT IN AUTUM 2025

One selected concept will be realised as part of the AUTUMN CONCERT of the RHONEFESTIVAL on November 23, 2025, in Brig (Valais/Switzerland). Several finalists will be presented with their ideas on our website, in our newsletter, and on social media.

TIMELINE

• Application deadline: July 1, 2025

• Announcement of results: July 15, 2025

• Performance (mandatory): November 23, 2025, Brig (Switzerland)

CONCEPT

• A project may include a maximum of four participating artists.

• The performance will take place in Brig – but is not limited to a specific venue.

• Duration of the performance: 50 to 70 minutes (without intermission).

• Conceptual guidance will be provided in advance by the RHONEFESTIVAL.

• Technical support will be provided on-site by professional staff.

FINANCES

• The artists of the selected concept will receive a fee of CHF 1,000 per person, including travel expenses.

• The festival will cover two nights of accommodation on-site.

• Additionally, the festival will provide up to CHF 1,500 for production materials and other expenses. These costs must be clearly outlined in advance, continuously updated, and approved by the festival board.

CRITERIA

• Musical quality

• Creative vision

• Contextual relevance (connection to Rilke)

• (Socio-)cultural relevance

• Audience engagement

• Sustainability/feasibility

JURY

• Marlene Heiss – Pianist, curator & artistic researcher

• Toni Ming Geiger – Pianist & concert designer

• Franziska Heinzen – Singer & artistic director of the RHONEFESTIVAL

The jury reserves the right not to award a prize if the criteria are not met.
Upon request, non-selected projects will receive individual feedback from the jury.
All data and concepts will be treated confidentially and will not be shared with third parties.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS VIA GOOGLE FORM BELOW
All documents must be submitted directly (no PDFs) via the provided Google Form, in German, French, or English:

• Portfolio of the ensemble and participating artists (max. 600 characters per person)

• At least 2 audio/video links (all participating artists must appear at least once)

• Introduction video presenting yourselves and your concept (max. 2 minutes)

• Concept description including vision and objectives (max. 600 characters)

• Detailed programme (composer / piece / duration)

• Technical requirements

• Production budget (list of required materials including prices)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.