Young talents shine at the VP Bank Opus Award 2026

As a long-standing main sponsor and presenting partner of the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein's concert activities, VP Bank has been committed to nurturing young musical talent for many years. Together with the Academy, VP Bank established the VP Bank Opus Award to provide promising young musicians with a platform to showcase their abilities and support their artistic development.

Outstanding Musical Performances Captivate Audience and Jury

The evening opened with a welcome from host Kerstin Polzer, followed by a discussion with Stephan Zimmermann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VP Bank, and Beat Fehlmann, Director of the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein. Their conversation focused on the importance of nurturing young talent and the long-standing partnership between VP Bank and the Academy.

The spotlight then turned to the four young musicians selected by the Academy: Danylo Semenyuk (15) from Ukraine, Frieda Magdalene Hollmer (12) from Germany, Charlotte Melkonian (13) from Germany and Stefan Szypura (13) from Switzerland. With their exceptional technical skills, musical expression and remarkable stage presence, they captivated the audience and made the jury's decision anything but easy.

The performances were evaluated by a jury comprising Adrian Schneider, Head of the Liechtenstein & BVI Region and member of VP Bank's Group Executive Management; Drazen Domjanic of the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein; and Remy Franck, music journalist and founder of the classical music magazine Pizzicato.

Recognising Outstanding Achievement

As the winner of the VP Bank Opus Award 2026, Stefan Szypura received CHF 5,000 in prize money, the traditional golden lapel pin and the challenge trophy. The trophy already bears the engraved names of previous winners Fabian Egger and Willard Carter. By receiving the trophy, Stefan Szypura joins this distinguished line of award winners.

The Audience Choice Award, worth CHF 1,000, went to Charlotte Melkonian. The remaining three participants each received CHF 500 in recognition of their achievements.

The evening once again highlighted the extraordinary talent and passion of the next generation of musicians. Through the VP Bank Opus Award, VP Bank and the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing young musical talent and providing a platform where exceptional achievements can shine.